Page 559 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

c. Iron stores from birth are depleted by 4
months of age; if the infant is being
breast-fed only, iron supplementation,
usually with a liquid iron supplement,
is needed. Premature babies are at
higher risk for iron deficiency due to
smaller iron stores and often need
additional supplementation. Infants
should be screened at 12 months of age
for iron deficiency.
d. Whole milk, low-fat milk, skim milk,
other animal milk, or imitation milk
should not be given to infants as a
primary source of nutrition, because
these food sources lack the necessary
components needed for growth and
have limited digestibility. If
introduced, cow’s milk should not be
given to infants until 12 months of age.
e. Fluoride supplementation may be
needed at about 6 months of age,
depending on the infant’s intake of
fluoridated tap water.
f. Solid foods (strained, pureed, or finely
mashed) are introduced at about 5 to 6
months of age; introduce solid foods
one at a time, usually at intervals of 4
to 5 days, to identify food allergens.
g. Sequence of the introduction of solid
foods varies depending on the
pediatrician’s preference and usually is
as follows: iron-fortified rice cereal,
fruits, vegetables, then meats.
h. At 12 months of age, eggs can be given
(introduce egg whites in small
quantities to detect an allergy); cheese
may be used as a substitute for meat.
i. Avoid solid foods that place the infant
at risk for choking, such as nuts, foods
with seeds, raisins, popcorn, grapes,
and hot dog pieces.
j. Avoid microwaving baby bottles and
baby food because of the potential for
uneven heating.
k. Never mix food or medications with
formula.
l. Infants under 12 months should not be
fed honey. Avoid adding honey to

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