What instruction should the nurse give about nutrition for a 1-month-old infant?

What instruction should the nurse give about nutrition for a 1-month-old infant?

• A. Breast milk or formula is the main food.
• B. Water should be the main drink.
• C. Solid foods can be introduced now.
• D. Cow's milk is the recommended main beverage.

Answer: (A)

At one month, the infant’s nutrition should come from breast milk or formula. These fluids provide all the calories, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals the baby needs in this early stage and are easy to digest, supporting steady growth and hydration. Water is not needed as the main drink and can crowd out milk, reducing calorie intake and potentially upsetting the baby’s balance of fluids and electrolytes. Solid foods are not appropriate yet because the infant’s digestive system, chewing skills, and swallowing coordination aren’t ready, and early solids raise choking and allergy risks. Cow’s milk is not recommended as the main beverage before 12 months because it can be difficult to digest and may lead to iron deficiency; if breastfeeding isn’t possible, iron-fortified formula is used instead.

At one month, the infant’s nutrition should come from breast milk or formula. These fluids provide all the calories, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals the baby needs in this early stage and are easy to digest, supporting steady growth and hydration. Water is not needed as the main drink and can crowd out milk, reducing calorie intake and potentially upsetting the baby’s balance of fluids and electrolytes. Solid foods are not appropriate yet because the infant’s digestive system, chewing skills, and swallowing coordination aren’t ready, and early solids raise choking and allergy risks. Cow’s milk is not recommended as the main beverage before 12 months because it can be difficult to digest and may lead to iron deficiency; if breastfeeding isn’t possible, iron-fortified formula is used instead.