Nutrition for newborn babies

Ensuring your child gets adequate nutrition can feel like a daunting task. It can be difficult to determine whether you're giving your child the right food.
 

Dr Sunit Godambe is a leading paediatrician based in London, we spoke with him recently to discuss nutrition for newborn babies. If you recently became a parent or if you’re thinking of raising a child, read on to learn a few things you should know.
 

In relation to newborn babies, what are some of the main dietary recommendations you would give?

When considering dietary recommendations for newborn babies, breastmilk or breastfeeding would be my first preference and a priority. Breastmilk provides all the nutrition that a newborn baby requires. There will be circumstances when breastmilk may be insufficient or contraindicated. In this situation, using any term milk formula would be indicated. If you plan to mix feed your baby, always breastfeed first before giving the formula. Getting the father to feed the baby with the bottle gives the father a role in the caring of the baby and also helps with bonding.
 

In terms of nutrition, what is ideal for newborn babies?

Breastmilk is tailored for your baby and has the ideal nutritional value for your baby. There is no specific recommendation for the amount or quantity of milk that your baby should consume in a day. If your baby is mainly on breastmilk, add Vitamin D supplements from 4 weeks of age. Breastfeeding mothers should continue to take post-pregnancy multivitamins. If your baby has more than 500 ml of formula in a day, there is no need to give Vitamin D supplements.
 

There is no need to give water in addition to milk to your baby in the first six months of life. Weight, length and head circumference are good measures of nutrition.
 

Should newborns be fed a mixture of solid and soft foods? Why/why not?

Newborn babies' digestive systems are developing in the first three months of life. The stomach and the intestine are unable to digest solids or soft food in the first four months of life. Some babies can start tasting soft or pureed food as early as four months of age. Early introduction of solids is recommended where there is a history of allergies in the family. With no history of allergies, it is fine to start solids between 5-6 months of age.
 

How much, on average, should a newborn eat during each feeding?

There is no specific amount or quantity of milk that is recommended for a newborn baby to drink during each feed. Every baby is different. The baby will stop drinking once he/she is full. It is extremely unlikely that you will overfeed your baby, especially if you breastfeed your baby.
 

What are some of the essential dietary requirements for a newborn?

Milk contains all essential nutritional requirements for a newborn baby until six months of age. Add Vitamin D supplements from 4 weeks of age. When breastfeeding, it is important for a mother to eat well and everything so that the baby gets good nutrition and vitamins from the milk. Also, consider consuming allergens like nuts or dairy in your diet so that the baby gets some of it through the breastmilk.
 

How can a parent identify if their newborn has developed a gastrointestinal medical problem?

Gastroenteritis is an illness causing vomiting and or diarrhoea. This is most commonly caused by viruses. Newborn babies are going through a process of intestinal development in the first few months. Newborn babies are allowed to open bowels up to 6-7 times a day or not open bowels for up to 5-6 days. If your baby is feeding well, passing urine or wetting nappies at least 5-6 times a day, your baby is fine, and there is no need to worry. Many newborn babies have frequent loose stools when on breastmilk. This can be normal.
 

It is unlikely for a breastfed baby to get viral gastroenteritis. If your baby passes loose stools or the colour of the stool changes to green, it is not always gastroenteritis. Keep your baby well hydrated by giving regular milk feeds. There is no need to panic as long as your baby wets nappies regularly.
 

Some babies pass loose stools or strain when trying to open bowels. This is due to gas problems. This is a normal transition and is common in the first three months of life. Leg exercises an hour after feeds, 'tummy time', and clockwise tummy rubs with oil will help with trapped wind or gas problems.
 

For more guidance on paediatric care, we recommend getting in contact with an expert such as Dr Sunit Godambe. Click here to visit his profile and book an appointment.