Starting Right

www.heinzbaby.com
contains:
menus information on products related to food allergies commonly asked questions about baby food resources for parents

For more information, call 1 800 565 2100 or visit our website at www.heinzbaby.com/nutrition

A nutritional guide for your childs healthy development

Feed your baby the right foods at the right time

As a new parent you may be asking yourself "how can I be sure I'm feeding my baby properly?"

Table of Contents
Nutrition during Pregnancy 1 Breastfeeding 4 Formula Feeding 6 Introducing Solid Foods 7 Homemade & Store Bought Baby Foods 11 Feeding the Older Infant 13 Feeding the Toddler & Preschooler 17 Infant Growth Charts 21 A Guide for your Childs Nutritional Needs 23 Nutrition & Feeding: Frequently Asked Questions 25 Who to Turn to for Advice 27

Thats a critical question as nutrition is the cornerstone of good health. Good early dietary habits are important for your childs development and growth, and are also the key to a lifetime of good eating habits and health.

Providing your baby with a balanced diet is actually not that difficult. Its just a matter of giving your baby the right food at the right time. Thats where this booklet can help. "Starting Right" was first developed in consultation with the Canadian Pediatric Society in 1996 to address the principal issues concerning your child's diet and to give you some practical guidance regarding what is best for your child. Since then there have been changes to the recommendations. The current version has been revised to reflect current recommendations. We hope you will find the information helpful. Good nutrition is an ongoing process - and the sooner you get your children started on the road to proper eating, the better. Idamarie Laquatra, Ph.D. Director-Global Nutrition H.J. Heinz Company

Presented by the H.J. Heinz Company of Canada Ltd. Revised 2005.

Nutrition during Pregnancy

Maintain a well-balanced diet
Maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper nutrition, as recommended by Canadas Food Guide to Healthy Eating, during your pregnancy is important for your health and for the proper growth and development of your baby.

First trimester
The beginning is very exciting! Physical changes are not apparent but your body is undergoing drastic hormonal changes.These changes do not affect all women, but you may experience morning sickness as a result. Also, you may have cravings for certain foods and beverages due to hormone changes that affect your sense of taste and smell. As long as you meet your nutrient needs, its okay to eat, in moderation, the foods you crave. During the first 3 months of pregnancy, you need extra food energy, but not too much -- an additional 100 calories/day is all. In addition, you need 5 g more of protein every day. Eating somewhat larger servings of meat and meat alternatives, fish, seeds, nuts and, or legumes will give you the extra protein your body needs.

Second trimester
Your baby is growing fast and you can see changes in your body. You may still have sudden food cravings. You may also experience heartburn, as the growing fetus puts pressure on the stomach. To prevent heartburn, you should eat frequent small meals and relax while eating. Eat slowly, chew your food completely, and avoid spicy or greasy foods. Eating an extra serving from each of the four food groups or eating nutrient-dense foods will provide the additional 300 calories/day that are needed at this stage. In addition, you need 15 g more of protein. On average, you want to gain only one pound per week during the second trimester.

You should visit your family physician regularly to ensure that you are healthy and your pregnancy is progressing well. The doctor will monitor your diet and weight gain to ensure that youre gaining sufficient weight to support a healthy baby.

Third trimester
This stage is critical for the health of your newborn baby and its also when you gain most of your weight.You should maintain a weight gain of one pound per week. Doctors recommend that you continue to take an additional 300 calories/day over what you were consuming before pregnancy. It is always wise to consult your doctor/dietitian and have them assess your diet and nutrient intake, and to monitor your weight gain.

Vitamins and supplements during pregnancy

Some women may need vitamins and supplements to balance a nutritious diet. Ask you doctor/dietitian to help you choose an appropriate supplement for you nutritional needs

Breastfeeding
The most complete food
Breast milk is the most complete food you can offer your baby. It has just the right level and quality of nutrients that your baby needs. It is safe and easy to digest which means fewer feeding problems for your baby. Its also a special time for you to build a close and comforting bond together.

Calcium
An additional 500 mg/day of calcium is recommended for fetal bone development and to maintain your bone strength. This can be easily achieved by adding 2 cups of milk and other dairy products to your diet. Soy milk and soy products with added calcium, canned sardines with their soft bones, cheese, etc. are also good sources.

Iron
You need a large supply of iron to support the increased blood volume required during pregnancy. An additional 18 mg/day is recommended during the second and third trimester. Diet alone wont supply this so iron supplements are recommended during this part of your pregnancy.

A defense against infections

Another excellent reason to breastfeed is because it provides a natural defense against infections such as respiratory, intestinal, and ear infections. Plus it stimulates the development of your baby's own defense system.

Folic acid
It is extremely important that you get enough folic acid before and during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of serious brain and spinal cord birth defects. Fruits, orange juice, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals products are good sources of folic acid

How to nurse successfully

Start breastfeeding as soon as possible after giving birth. Ask to room-in while in the hospital so you can feed your baby on demand. Healthy newborn babies need to feed often as many as 10 to 12 times in a 24 hour period. The more you feed your baby, the more your milk supply will increase.

Alcohol and herbal supplements

You should avoid alcohol during pregnancy as it can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Also you should consult your doctor about using herbal supplements as they may cause harm to your fetus.

TIP
Keeping fit and staying active will make you feel better throughout your pregnancy and help you during labor and delivery. Build up your strength and endurance by participating in regular low-impact activities in cool conditions. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after exercise.

Your diet
Your diet affects the quality of your milk so make sure youre eating nutritiously. Eat according to the Canadas Food Guide To Healthy Eating and have the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin supplements for breastfed babies

Your doctor may recommend the following supplements for your baby:

Formula Feeding
Choosing the right formula
Breastfeeding is best for your baby. But if you choose to bottle-feed your newborn, a commercial iron-fortified infant formula is an acceptable alternative because it provides similar amounts of energy (calories), protein, vitamins and minerals to those normally found in breast milk. Breast milk or formula is recommended in the first year of life. Most infant formulas need to be mixed with water, but you can also find formula that is ready-to-serve. Cows milk-based formulas are the most commonly used and are best for non-breastfed babies with no family history of allergies. Ask your doctor about which formula is best for your baby.

Vitamin D
If you are breastfeeding your baby, a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 I.U.fg (10 g) is recommended.

Iron
Breastfed babies will need extra iron at around six months. They should have 7 mg of iron per day, which can be obtained from iron fortified infant cereals or an iron supplement

Vitamin B12
If you are a strict vegetarian and are breastfeeding your baby may need a vitamin B12 supplement. Your doctor, once aware of your diet, will recommend an appropriate supplement.

Weaning
You are going to hear a lot of different advice about when to wean your baby. Nursing for six months or more is best for your baby and most doctors recommend continuing longer if the baby is healthy and growing well.

Preparing formula properly

Cleanliness is one of the best defenses against possible illness so it is wise to sterilize the feeding bottles you use for at least the first four months of your baby's life. Many parents find it easier to use disposable liners. Remember that the nipples that come with these bottles are not disposable and must still be carefully cleaned and sterilized before each use.

Simple steps to feed your baby safely: TIP

Newborns feed as frequently as every two hours. This can be quite tiring for you, so rest as much as you can. If you breastfeed frequently, your breasts are less likely to become engorged.

Wash your hands. Wash the bottles thoroughly and remove all milk residue from the bottle and nipple with a brush. Immerse the bottles in boiling water for five minutes to sterilize. Allow bottles to dry before filling. Prepare formula according to the instructions on the package, place in clean bottles and refrigerate immediately. Do not reuse leftover formula after a feeding

TIP
5

Use prepared formula within 24 hours or else discard.

Introducing Foods
When to start
When your baby is around six months of age, you can start introducing complementary foods. Your baby will start showing interest in food or become dissatisfied with only breast milk or formula.

Do not force feed. As long as your baby is healthy and achieving normal growth, respect your babys cues about the types and the amounts of food he eats. If he rejects a food, try the food again a few days or a week later. If your baby still does not want it or like it, let it be. If you force your baby to eat, you may be setting the stage for poor eating habits and creating negative associations with food and mealtimes.

What to start with

Introduce the right foods at the right time. The general rule is to introduce iron-fortified infant cereals first, followed by vegetables, fruits and then meats.

Infant cereals
Most doctors recommend beginning with a rice cereal, as it is the least likely to cause an allergic reaction such as a rash, diarrhea, tummy ache or frequent crying. Once this is well accepted by your baby for at least one week, you can progress to another single grain cereal such as Barley. Do not give your baby mixed grain cereals until you are certain your baby can tolerate the different grains. Infant cereals are fortified with iron. Therefore, if your baby has been taking a standard iron supplement, it will no longer be necessary once your baby begins eating infant cereals regularly. Iron-fortified infant cereals are particularly good first solid foods because they are also enriched with calcium, phosphorus and vitamins B1, B2 and niacin which your baby needs for healthy growth and development.

Introduce solid foods gradually, one at a time. This way your baby will learn to appreciate each new taste and texture and you can easily identify any food allergies. Your baby may spit the food out the first time, so try offering it a few more times on different days.

TIP

Introduce cereal in this order:

Rice More complex grains (barley, oatmeal) Multi-grain cereals Cereals with fruit

Preparing cereal
Prepare infant cereal by combining the recommended amount in a bowl, with lukewarm breast milk, formula or water. Make the consistency such that your baby can swallow easily. The consistency of the cereal mixed with breast milk, formula or water should be thinner when your baby is just starting cereal. Begin by offering a bit of breast milk or formula first to take the edge off babys hunger. Then offer one teaspoon of cereal mixed with breast milk, formula or water at each meal and slowly increase the amount at your babys own pace. At first you may put cereal on your finger or just place the spoon up to the lips, not in the mouth. Allow baby to suck on the spoon and become familiar with the feel of the spoon until baby learns to take food from the spoon. The texture of cereals can be thickened as your baby develops chewing skills.

Sample Menu for around 6 months

Breakfast
180 - 240 mL Breast milk or formula feeding 1 - 2 tbsp Infant cereal

Lunch
180 - 240 mL Breast milk or formula feeding 1 - 2 tbsp Pureed single vegetable

Dinner
180 - 240 mL Breast milk or formula feeding 1 - 2 tbsp Infant cereal 1 - 2 tbsp Pureed single fruit

Snacks
180 - 240 mL Breast milk or formula feeding

Vegetables and fruits

The next thing to introduce is finely pureed or strained vegetables and fruits, rich in vitamins A and C and other important nutrients. The procedure for starting is the same as for cereals: introduce one new food at a time, a few days apart, and keep an eye out for undesirable reactions. Offer single foods, such as pureed peas or carrots, before combinations.

* Around 6 months babies are usually eating 6-7 breast milk or formula feedings of 150-180 mL each per day. Around this age you may choose to introduce small amounts of infant cereal at breakfast and dinner; begin with 1 tsp and gradually increase amounts to 1-2 tbsp.

Meat and other alternatives

Youre ready to move to the next stage after your baby has become used to vegetables and fruits and is not quite so surprised when you offer new foods. This is when you can introduce strained meat, fish and poultry or alternatives such as dried beans, lentils, or egg yolk. These foods are rich in protein and iron. They help meet your baby's needs for this incredibly active growth period. When baby is tolerant of a variety of foods, and you have seen no sign of allergic reaction, mixed varieties or dinners may be served. Avoid egg white during the first year as it may cause an allergic reaction.

Serve vegetables first

Vegetables are typically the most difficult for infants to accept and like, so its best to start with them first. Fruits are naturally sweeter and babies usually prefer them. So it could be harder to get your baby to eat vegetables if you offer fruit first. Start with one teaspoon of vegetables at a time and gradually increase the amount. Again, babies should not be force-fed. If using store bought baby food, feed from a dish rather than straight from the jar.

10

Homemade & Store Bought Baby Foods

Good food habits: a lifetime of good health
Helping your baby develop good food habits now will establish good eating habits through life. How you influence your child in food choices and physical activities can make a big difference in preventing weight related issues and dental health problems, as well as a myriad of other health concerns down the road. Its important to keep your own attitude to food positive and eat healthy foods yourself. Preparing homemade baby foods is nutritious, relatively inexpensive and allows more variety. They must be prepared carefully. The safe preparation of homemade baby foods takes time, knowledge, and effort. And, although you will be tempted, do not add salt, sugar or other seasonings to your homemade baby foods. Here are some pointers if you choose to make your own baby food: Wash your hands carefully before preparing foods. All utensils and containers should be well cleaned. Select the best produce and thoroughly clean to ensure you remove any foreign matter Ensure first solid foods are well blended

Store bought foods are as wholesome, nutritious, and safe as properly prepared homemade baby foods. They are commonly referred to as strained and junior foods. Baby food manufacturers demand that quality and safe standards are maintained in a number of areas. Here are things to watch for: Ingredient purity: Ingredients do not include any salt, additives, preservatives or modified food starch Nutritional purity: Fruits and vegetables are pureed in the water they are cooked in so that valuable nutrients are retained Process purity: the best jarred baby foods are tested for quality, safety, and nutritional content before they are vacuum-packed and safety sealed

Sample Menu Plan for 7 9 Months

Breakfast
3-4 tbsp Infant Cereal 30-90 ml Strained juice 180-240 ml breast milk or formula feeding

Lunch
3-5 tbsp Strained meat 4-6 tbsp Strained vegetable 2-3 tbsp Strained fruit

Dinner
3-5 tbsp Strained vegetable/ meat combination 2-3 tbsp strained fruit

Snacks
180-240 ml breast milk or formula feeding 3-5 tbsp Infant cereal

180-240 ml 180-240 ml breast milk or formula breast milk or feeding formula feeding

TIP

Egg white is highly allergenic and shouldnt be given to babies under one year. Only offer egg yolk to your baby before that age.

11

12

Feeding the Older Infant

Move to more textured foods
As babies grow older and begin to develop teeth, they need foods with varied textures and tastes. Chewing is an acquired skill and textured foods are important for teething. If children dont have the opportunity to learn how to chew, they may have trouble eating anything but pureed foods later on. Between seven and nine months is the usual time to introduce chunkier baby foods. Junior Foods contain pieces large enough to encourage your baby to chew, while still being safe and digestible Store bought Junior Foods offer a variety of tastes and textures for the developing palette. Like strained foods, Junior Foods contain no added salt. In addition, all infant vegetables, meats, juices and most fruits contain no added sugar. If you are giving your baby mashed or chopped table foods, prepare them from the freshest ingredients, without added salt, sugar or strong spices.

Safe and healthy foods

These are the foods which are healthy and safe to offer your baby as finger foods at this stage: Cooked soft vegetable pieces Pieces of banana, seeded melon and other soft, ripe fruits Bits of cooked fruit Small pieces of cooked meat and poultry (deboned, of course!) Pieces of cheese Soft crust, toast or unsalted soda crackers

Empty calorie foods

The foods below do not offer your child adequate nutrition and may encourage some unhealthy preferences as they contain too much added fat, sugar or salt: Fried foods such as French fries or home fries Iced cakes or iced cookies, sugar-coated cereal Flavoured drinks or soft drinks Chocolate Potato chips and other salted snack foods Processed meats (such as bologna, spam)

Helping your baby self-feed

As babies develop a growing sense of independence, they are ready to experiment with feeding themselves. Sometime between nine months and a year, you can start introducing finger foods. Remember that your baby is still an inexperienced eater and must be supervised carefully during this stage. Babies making the transition from baby food to table food, are going to want to learn as much as possible about the textures and tastes of the various surprises you offer, so be patient.

Dangerous foods
Even under your watchful eye, your baby should not be offered any of the following foods, which can cause choking: Raw, hard fruits and vegetables Fruits with seeds/ pits such as cherries Dried fruits, except raisins that are small and seedless Hot dogs, popcorn, nuts, seeds, whole grapes, chips or small round hard or chewy candies that can get stuck in the airway.

Finger food guideline

Certain popular foods are safe and healthy for your baby and some should be avoided as they offer little nutritional value or could cause choking. Heres a guideline that should help you select whats best.

13

14

Feeding your baby safely

You will want to ensure that everything you feed your baby is free of germs, appropriate in size and texture, and nutritionally sound. Here some tips to ensure that food is safe and sanitary: Double check to ensure the safety seal has not been broken before opening a fresh jar of store bought baby food. Carefully cover and refrigerate all unused food immediately to prevent bacteria growth. Leftover store bought baby foods should be properly stored in the refrigerator and used within three days (two days for meat), or otherwise discarded. Seal and store home prepared food properly. Containers should be thoroughly cleaned and have tops that screw on or otherwise fit snugly. Do not feed straight from the jar as bacteria and saliva can contaminate the remaining food. Discard all unused frozen foods that have been thawed. Throw away all unused refrigerated homemade foods after 24 hours. When traveling long distances with your baby, vacuum packed, store bought baby food may offer greater food safety in preventing spoilage and bacteria growth compared to homemade foods. To prevent infant botulism, do not use honey in feeding infants less than one year of age. To prevent salmonella poisoning, cook all eggs and chicken well. Do not feed your baby a raw egg and do not use products containing raw eggs, such as a beaten egg yolk mixed with sugar, or homemade eggnog. If your baby is younger than 12 months, remember not to offer egg white because of potential allergy Do not feed your infant and toddler peanuts and peanut butter because they can produce serious allergic reactions. Cows Milk has been found to increase the likelihood of allergic reactions in children. Breast milk or formula is recommended for your babys first year of life.

Sample Menu Plan for 10 - 12 Months

Breakfast
5 tbsp Infant Cereal 90 ml Juice 150 ml formula/breast milk

Lunch
4-6 tbsp Junior meat 6-8 tbsp Junior vegetable 3-4 tbsp Junior fruit

Dinner

Snacks

8-10 tbsp 150 ml Junior formula/breast vegetable/ milk meat combination 3-5 tbsp Infant cereal 1/2 slice Whole wheat toast 3-4 tbsp Junior fruit 150 ml formula/breast milk

1/2 slice 150 ml Whole wheat formula/breast toast milk

TIP

To prevent choking, ensure your baby is always seated and supervised during feeding

15

16

Feeding the Toddler & Preschooler

Feeding tips for your growing child
As your infant becomes a toddler, proper feeding is just as important. Good nutrition is essential not only for normal physical growth but also for learning. This is the critical time when children develop preferences for foods and form lifelong eating habits. At mealtime, offer a healthy balance of food from the basic food groups recommended in Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Not all meals require foods from each group - but there should be a balance within the day.

Fat isnt bad

It is wise for adults to limit their intakes of fat and cholesterol. Thats not necessarily so for children. Fat is a concentrated source of energy and the body's only source of essential fatty acids. Your baby has high requirements for both of these because of rapid growth and development in the first two years of life. About 40 to 50 per cent of the energy (calories) infants and toddlers consume daily should come from fat. Fat is found in substances such as breast milk, formula, whole milk, cheese and red meat. There is no evidence that restricting fat in a child's diet benefits them now or later in life. If youre concerned about your childs weight, dont reduce the portion of healthy food normally received. Instead, limit the intake of sweets and high fat foods such as chips and fried foods. If weight continues to be a problem, consult a doctor or nutritionist.

Its smart to snack

Many infants and toddlers need to eat small amounts of food frequently throughout the day. Snacks are important for your child to maintain all the energy neccessary for playing and learning. However, snacks should be small and timed so that they do not interfere with regular meals. Healthy snacks include whole wheat crackers or whole grain cereal, cheese, yogurt, fruits such as sliced apple, banana or pieces of seedless orange. Vegetables such as grated raw carrots or soft pieces of cooked frozen vegetables like peas or diced carrots are fine provided your child is old enough to handle these foods without choking. Your child should also receive whole milk or fruit juice - not fruit-flavoured drinks or soft drinks.

17

18

Tips for feeding

Here are some additional tips for feeding your infant and toddler: A warm familiar setting encourages your child's enjoyment of food. Include your toddler at the table during family mealtimes. Toddlers like the experience of being part of the family. Avoid adding sugar or salt to foods or giving highly sweetened or salty foods to your toddler. Protect your child from choking on unsafe foods: if you choose to feed your child hot dogs and grapes make sure they are cut lengthwise. Make sure your child sits upright while eating, and not lying down, walking, running or being distracted from the task of eating. Avoid eating and watching T.V. at the same time. To keep your childs iron at normal levels, doctors recommend that you continue feeding iron fortified infant or toddler cereals up to 2 years of age.

Poor eaters
At some point in their young lives, children are likely to assert their independence by rejecting the food you offer. Do not take it personally. There are some techniques for encouraging poor eaters to change their ways. Older infants and toddlers with small appetites often get turned off by large amounts of food on a plate.Try giving your child just a spoonful or two at a time. Occasionally, a poor appetite is the result of boredom. Offer your child a wide variety of appetizing foods. Some children show a distinct dislike for certain vegetables or other foods. Try to find a nutritionally sound substitute that your youngster likes. When your picky eater is old enough, you can let him/her help you select foods at the supermarket and help prepare at home. Do not force your child to finish a meal, but be firm about no snacks or desserts in between meals if these interfere.

TIP

Make sure your child has a good source of iron such as iron-fortified toddler cereals, red meats, liver, legumes and egg yolk.

Sample Menu Plan for 12 - 24 Months

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
30 ml Meat (Junior or Ground)
1

Snacks
150 mL Whole milk

1 cup iron 30 ml fortified Meat (Mild Infant/Toddler cheese or egg) Cereal mixed 1 /2 -1 slice with whole bread milk 90 ml Juice 150 ml Whole milk 1/2 slice Whole wheat toast

/4 cup

/4 cup Soft (raw) vegetable

1

Mashed potato, rice or pasta

/2 slice Whole wheat toast

/4 cup
Fruit

/4 cup Soft vegetable

1

/4 cup
Fruit

150 ml Whole milk

150 ml Whole milk

19

20

Growth Chart
52 50 48 46 44 42 40 38 36 34 CM 8 7 6 KG 14 13 12 11 10 9

Boys Infant

Growth Chart
52 50 48 46 44 42 40 38 36 34 CM KG 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6

Girls Infant

HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE

HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE

Name:

Name:

WEIGHT

4 3 2

WEIGHT

4 3 2

Date of Birth:

1 0

Date of Birth:

1 0

MONTHS

MONTHS

The blue areas indicate a normal rate of growth. Measure head circumference above the eyebrows and around the back of the head, for maximum circumference. Measure your babys weight using an infant scale. Consult your doctor if either head circumference or weight differs significantly from the graph.

The pink areas indicate a normal rate of growth. Measure head circumference above the eyebrows and around the back of the head, for maximum circumference. Measure your babys weight using an infant scale. Consult your doctor if either head circumference or weight differs significantly from the graph.

21

22

A Guide for your Childs Nutritional Needs

Introducing the right foods at the right time
Age From 0 - 3 months
Introduce Breast milk/ formula Introduce Infant cereals

In the beginning breast milk and formula will offer your baby all the essential vitamins and minerals needed. As your baby continues to grow, you will start introducing foods from the different food groups (described by Canadas Food Guide for Healthy Eating). As soon as your baby is eating from all four food groups, planning nutritionally balanced meals is easy. Choose foods from each of the food groups every day.The foods will work together to give your child all the energy and nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.

Around 6 months

Around 6 months

From 6 months

From 7 - 9 months

From 10 - 12 months
Introduce Mild cheese/yogurt

From 12 - 24 months
Introduce Whole milk

Milk & Milk Products

Breads & Cereals

Introduce Bread/Toast Introduce Combination fruits, vegetables & juices Strained meats, Meat Vegetable Combinations

Introduce Toddler cereals

Fruits & Vegetables Meat, Fish, Poultry & Alternatives The first months: It all begins with milk Rice, or Barley, single-grain before mixed varieties

Strained vegetables, fruits and juices

Introduce Junior foods

Introduce Pieces of soft fruits & vegetables Introduce Whole egg

Introduce Junior foods

Vegetables before fruits, one at a time

Avoid salt now, prevent problems later

Time for new textures and tastes

Increase variety

Introduce table foods, no additives please

Note: The pace at which your child eats solid foods and rate of growth are unique. This chart provides a guideline on when to introduce various foods to your childs diet. It should be used only as a guide.

23

24

Nutrition & Feeding:

Q& A

Q. How long is it safe to keep an opened jar of baby food in

the refrigerator?

A. Jars of fruits and vegetables, juices, desserts, and

vegetable/meat combinations that are covered and refrigerated should be used within three days after opening. Meats and poultry with broth have a refrigerator life of two days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask the Expert: Dr. Idamarie Laquatra,
Infant Nutritionist, H.J. Heinz Company

Q. Why do leftover baby foods sometimes become watery? A. If youre feeding your baby directly from the jar, your babys saliva
will probably get transferred from the spoon to the jar. Saliva contains an enzyme which breaks down carbohydrates in baby foods creating a watery consistency. Use a clean spoon to remove each portion to a bowl and feed your baby from the bowl.

Q. My Doctor tells me that I should not give my baby

cows milk in the first year. Why does Heinz have milk solids in some of its baby foods? A. The current recommendation not to give babies cows milk, specifically focuses on milk as the major source of nourishment. Cows milk is not as nutritious as breast milk or infant formula. It does not contain the full complement of nutrients that the infant requires. Furthermore it is more difficult to digest and contains elements that may obstruct certain minerals from being properly absorbed. However a small amount of milk solids as an ingredient is not an issue particularly if the baby is eating a wide variety of foods. Occasional yogurt and cheese are also suitable for infants.

Q. When should I start feeding solid food to my baby? A. The Canadian Pediatric Society of Canada Nutrition Committee
recommends that Infants should be introduced to nutrient-rich solid foods with particular attention to iron at six months.*

Q. What should I start with? A. The most common first food for babies is infant cereals.
Try rice cereal first, as your baby is least likely to be allergic to it. Infant cereals are fortified with iron which is depleted in the body by this time.

* Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada and Health Canada. Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Ottawa, 2005.

25

26

Who to Turn to for Advice

Its comforting to know that there are plenty of professionals you can turn to for advice about your baby. Heres a short list: Doctor Your pediatrician or family doctor is your baby's primary health caregiver. Your doctor can answer most of your questions or will refer you to specialists if needed. Dietitian / Nutritionist Your doctor may recommend that you seek the advice of a dietitian if your infant or child has problems relating to foods or nutrition. Public Health Nurse In most provinces, a public health nurse will visit you shortly after the birth of your child. They are excellent sources of information and reassurance. Breastfeeding Experts Lactation consultants or breastfeeding clinics in your area will be glad to help if you have any questions, problems or concerns about breastfeeding. Postnatal Classes Many communities offer post-natal classes for new mothers to give them some guidance on the care and feeding of their infants. Other Resources Trained staff at Heinz is available to answer your questions about baby food and basic infant nutrition. Call 1-800-565-2100 Medical Information Telephone Lines provided by local children's hospitals answer basic feeding questions.

27