For how long should an infant's nutritional intake be limited to breast milk or formula, along with water?

For how long should an infant's nutritional intake be limited to breast milk or formula, along with water?

• A. 3 months
• B. 9 months
• C. 6 months
• D. 12 months

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is exclusive feeding: for about six months, an infant’s nutrition should come only from breast milk or formula, with water sometimes used but not as a replacement for calories and nutrients. This six-month period aligns with guidelines that say infants are best served by breast milk or formula alone during the first half-year. Why six months is best: around this age, an infant’s iron stores are beginning to wane and the digestive system is maturing enough to handle other foods, but they still rely on the milk for most of their calories and nutrients. Introducing solids or other liquids too early can fill up the tiny stomach, reduce milk intake, and raise the risk of infections or choking. Keeping to breast milk or formula (and water if needed) until about six months provides the right balance of nutrition and maturation. After six months, complementary foods can be introduced while continuing to breastfeed or use formula for ongoing nutrition.

The main idea here is exclusive feeding: for about six months, an infant’s nutrition should come only from breast milk or formula, with water sometimes used but not as a replacement for calories and nutrients. This six-month period aligns with guidelines that say infants are best served by breast milk or formula alone during the first half-year.

Why six months is best: around this age, an infant’s iron stores are beginning to wane and the digestive system is maturing enough to handle other foods, but they still rely on the milk for most of their calories and nutrients. Introducing solids or other liquids too early can fill up the tiny stomach, reduce milk intake, and raise the risk of infections or choking. Keeping to breast milk or formula (and water if needed) until about six months provides the right balance of nutrition and maturation.

After six months, complementary foods can be introduced while continuing to breastfeed or use formula for ongoing nutrition.