Editing Nutrition (section)

=== Infancy (birth to 12 months) ===

* Energy needs are roughly 100 to 110 kcal/kg/day in early infancy, far higher per kilogram than at any later stage.
* Breast milk or iron-fortified formula is the sole source of nutrition for about the first 6 months. Exclusively and partially breastfed infants receive 400 IU/day of supplemental vitamin D beginning shortly after birth.
* Introduce iron-fortified single-grain cereal and pureed foods around 6 months, when the infant can sit with support, has good head control, and has lost the extrusion reflex. Introduce '''one new food at a time and wait 3 to 5 days''' to identify allergic reactions.
* '''No honey before 12 months''' because of the risk of infant botulism.
* '''No cow's milk before 12 months.''' It causes occult gastrointestinal blood loss, is low in iron, and presents an excessive renal solute load. Whole milk is given from 12 to 24 months for brain development.
* Avoid choking hazards: whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hot dog rounds, hard candy, raw carrot pieces, and spoonfuls of peanut butter.
* Never prop a bottle or put the infant to bed with a bottle, because of aspiration risk, otitis media, and early childhood caries.
* Expected growth: birth weight doubles by about 6 months and triples by 12 months.