Types of Infant Feeding

There are three main types of infant feeding: breastfeeding, artificial feeding, and mixed feeding.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the primary source of nourishment for infants. Breast milk is considered the most ideal nutrient for babies, often referred to as "milk transformed from blood, as beautiful as the rising sun," a product of refined essence from food and water. Both China and the World Health Organization strongly advocate breastfeeding due to its numerous benefits:

• High nutritional value with high digestion and absorption rates.
• Enhances the immune function of infants.
• Contains an optimal ratio of calcium to phosphorus, facilitating better absorption and utilization.
• Simple, convenient, clean, and maintains moderate temperature.

Breastfeeding Method: Begin with 7 feedings per day, gradually reducing to 5 as the infant grows, with each feeding lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Typically, breastfeeding is required for 6-12 hours postpartum. Newborns should be fed every 2-3 hours, infants aged 3-4 months every 3 hours, and every 4 hours thereafter. Feedings are suspended once during the night. Hold the baby in a diagonal position to ensure comfortable breathing and facilitate the rise of air in the stomach. Try to empty the breast during each feeding to stimulate milk production for the next. After feeding, hold the baby upright and pat their back for 2-3 minutes to burp, preventing milk regurgitation. If nasal mucus blocks the nose, it can affect breathing and lead to refusal of milk. Avoid forcing breastfeeding when the child is crying to prevent coughing and vomiting. The optimal weaning time is between 8-12 months, with summer not being an ideal season due to the heat. Gradually reduce breastfeeding frequency and introduce solid foods before weaning to avoid anorexia and diarrhea.

Artificial Feeding

Artificial feeding involves the use of formula milk, cow's milk, goat's milk, soy milk, milk pudding, or other dairy products, with cow's milk being the most common. Infants under 6 months must be ensured a certain amount of fresh milk, which can be supplemented with formula milk as they grow older. The milk volume can be calculated as follows: For a 5-month-old baby weighing approximately 6kg, daily milk requirement is 110ml per kg of body weight, with 5%-8% sugar added. Calculation: Daily milk requirement = 110 × 6 = 660ml (divided into 5-6 feedings). Daily sugar requirement = 660 × 5% = 33g (about 2 tablespoons). Daily water requirement for formula preparation = 150ml × 6 = 900ml. Additional water needed = 900 - 660 = 240ml (can be given between feedings).

Mixed Feeding

Mixed feeding refers to supplementing breast milk with cow's milk or other milk substitutes due to insufficient breast milk. This can be done by either alternating breast milk and formula/cow's milk within the same feeding session or by designating specific feedings throughout the day as formula/cow's milk feedings. However, breastfeeding should occur at least 3 times daily to maintain milk production and prevent its depletion.