Question
“My daughter is three months old now. Which types of solid foods should I introduce at this stage?”
Answer
“In the first year of an infant’s life, due to rapid growth and high levels of activity, the demand for various nutrients is higher than that of adults. In terms of dietary principles, the following points should be adhered to:
- Caloric Needs: Infants aged 1-6 months require approximately 110-120 calories per kilogram of body weight per day, while those aged 7-12 months need about 100-110 calories.
- Protein Needs: Infants under one year old need to consume 3-4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.
- Calcium Needs: Infants require about 600 milligrams of calcium daily, but since oxalates and phosphates in food can affect calcium absorption, it is important to choose appropriate food sources and create conditions conducive to calcium absorption, such as consuming sufficient vitamin D and appropriate sunlight exposure.
- Water Management: Water is the main component of cells, responsible for transporting nutrients and excreting metabolic waste within the body. The water requirement of infants varies with age and dietary components, and both excessive and insufficient water intake can have adverse effects on health. In summary, an infant’s diet should follow principles of balance, ease of digestion, and rich nutrition to meet their rapid growth needs.”