Wyoming WIC

Caring for your babyBirth to 6 Months

Birth-to-6-Months English

HELLO WORLD​

I am your baby. You are my everything.

FEED ME WITH FOOD AND LOVE.

  • I feel your love when you smile and talk to me. 
  • Feed me breast milk or baby formula. It is the only food I need for the first 6 months. 
  • Wait until my first birthday before you give me cow's milk.

breastfeeding

You have what I need to grow​.

Breast milk is the perfect food for me.

  • It has all the nutrients I need to help me grow and stay healthy.
  • Your breast milk changes as I get older.
Talk with our healthcare provider if we are exclusively breastfeeding to ask if I need extra vitamin D. Ask about an iron supplement when I’m about 6 months old.

Formula Feeding

If I drink formula, it’s important to mix the ingredients the right way. Follow the mixing directions on the can.

Always add water to the bottle first, then the powder formula. If you have any concerns about the safety of your tap water, consider using bottled distilled or boiled water cooled to a safe temperature for me.

Always use the scoop provided in the can of formula. Make sure it is level.
Use prepared infant formula within 2 hours after taking it out of the refrigerator.
Once I start feeding, throw away any formula left in the bottle after 1 hour.
If your baby is younger than two months old, was born early, or has a weak immune system, you should follow extra steps, like boiling the water you use to make formula, to keep your baby from getting very sick. Learn more about these additional steps by searching for: PROTECT YOUR BABY FROM CRONOBACTER (guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control).

Trust-Based Bottle Feeding

Start by offering only a small amount at a time, 2 to 3 ounces of breast milk or formula.

Let me be in control of how fast I drink from the bottle.

Trust me to know when I am satisfied. Look to me for my signals. Please don't make me finish a bottle.

Keep prepared bottles in a refrigerator until you are ready to feed me and use them within 24 hours.

Never microwave breast milk or formula. “Hot spots” can burn my mouth. Ouch! Warm up my bottles in hot water instead.​

Ways I say "I am hungry":

I may move a lot or turn my head and open my mouth. I may suck on my hand or fuss. Please feed me before I cry. I eat best when I am calm.

Ways I say "I am satisfied":

I stop sucking and spit out the nipple. I may look relaxed or sleepy. If I get too full, I might frown, fuss, and kick to let you know I'm done. Please don't keep trying to feed me.

How do you know I eat enough?

I wet 6 or more diapers a day and the doctor says I am gaining weight and growing well. Please do not put me on a feeding schedule. I will let you know when I am hungry or satisfied.

I Need Your Touch

Hold me when you feed me.
I feel safe with you and love to look at your face.
Sometimes I may take a break from eating, even though I’m not full yet. I just want to rest or share some special time with you.
Help me stay awake while you feed me. Please don’t prop up my bottle. I could choke or get an ear infection.

I Need to Eat Often​

My stomach is small.

Birth to 3 Months

Feeding Me as a Newborn

Help me be calm and stay awake.
As a newborn, I come out of a quiet, dark place into a world full of sights, sounds, and commotion. To do well with eating, I need help being calm and staying awake to help feed me the way I want you to.
Do what I prefer with feeding – follow my lead.
Don’t worry about spoiling me. You can’t spoil a tiny baby.

– Pay attention to my cues and feed me when I want to eat, when I’m wide-awake and calm and before I get upset from crying.
– Sit still when you are feeding me. Keep the feeding smooth and steady.
– Let me eat my way – much or little, fast or slowly, steady or start-and-stop.
– Stop feeding when I show you I am finished eating. I will relax, slow down, and stop nursing.
– Talk or play awhile after I’m done eating. Put me to bed when I’m calm and drowsy and let me put myself to sleep.

Trust me!
I know how much to eat. I will eat as much as I need and I’ll grow in the way that is right for me if you maintain a Division of Responsibility in Feeding. As my parent, you are responsible for the what of feeding – breast milk or formula. I am responsible for everything else – when, where, how much, how fast.

© Copyright 2024 by Ellyn Satter published at EllynSatterInstitute.org. https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/how-to-feed/child-feeding-ages-and-stages/

2 to 6 Months

Feeding Me as an Infant

When I’m about 2 or 3 months old, I begin to learn about love. I watch, smile, jabber, and reach out to you to get your attention and to keep you close. Your paying attention to me and doing what I want shows me you love me and teaches me to love you back. Don’t worry about spoiling me. You can’t spoil a tiny baby.
Follow the Division of Responsibility in Feeding.
You are responsible for the what of feeding – breast milk or formula. I am responsible for everything else – when, where, how much, how fast.
Guide feeding based on my cues.
Feed me on demand: Go by information coming from me to guide my feeding.

– Feed me when I want to eat, when I’m wide-awake and calm.
– Let me eat my way – much or little, fast or slowly, steady or start-and-stop.
– Bring me to the table with you when you eat. I love being with you, and I begin learning what eating is all about.
– Talk or play awhile after feeding. Put me to bed when I’m calm and drowsy and let me put myself to sleep.

Wait to start solids.
Start solids based on what I can do, not on how old I am: when I can sit up, see food coming, and open up for it. That is often around six months.

© Copyright 2024 by Ellyn Satter published at EllynSatterInstitute.org. https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/how-to-feed/child-feeding-ages-and-stages/

Remember

All babies are different. I may eat different amounts from one day to the next. As I become older and my stomach grows, I may eat less often, but can eat more at each feeding.

Look for My Signs

I use body movements and make noises to let you know what I need. If you look for these signs, you can respond to me before I start to cry. I am much easier to feed when I am calm.

“I’M HUNGRY”

When I’m starting to get hungry, I might:

  • Bring hands to or near my mouth
  • Move arms and legs
  • Make sucking noises
  • Move mouth or tongue
  • Turn head or search for the nipple (root)

“I’M FULL”

When I’m feeling satisfied, I might:

  • Suck slower or stop sucking
  • Relax hands and arms
  • Turn away from the nipple
  • Push away
  • Fall asleep
  • Frown, fuss, or kick if you keep feeding me

If I am growing poorly, these signs might also indicate I’m having trouble latching on or swallowing.

Spit-Up, Gas, and Dirty Diapers

I might spit up if you try to feed me when I am full or if you bounce me after I eat.

I swallow air when I eat. Too much air makes me spit up or have gas. Burping helps me get the air out. Wait for me to stop eating before you burp me. Hold me so my tummy touches your chest or lap. Gently pat or rub my back.

I might grunt and turn red to move my bowels. I might have 1 to 3 bowel movements a day or none for a day or 2. This is not constipation. Constipation is a hard, dry stool that hurts to pass and makes me cry.

Growth Spurts

As I grow, my routine might change, and I may want to eat and sleep more than usual. These are called growth spurts.

All babies are different, but my growth spurts might happen when I’m around the ages of:

BIRTH

2 TO 3 WEEKS

4 TO 6 WEEKS

4 MONTHS

9 MONTHS

3 MONTHS
6 MONTHS

1ST Birthday

BIRTH

2 TO 3 WEEKS

3 MONTHS

6 MONTHS

4 TO 6 WEEKS

4 MONTHS

9 MONTHS

1ST BIRTHDAY

Your body also knows what I need and will make more milk to keep up with my growth spurts. The more often you breastfeed or pump, the more milk you will make.

HELPFUL

TIP

If I act hungry after I finish a feeding, offer me the breast again. If I am taking a bottle, offer me a bit more until I show signs of being full.

PLAY WITH ME!

I’m ready to learn about you, me, and the world we live in. I want to discover what my body can do.

Give me tummy time when we play.

When I’m alert and relaxed, put me on a blanket on the floor. Watch how I stretch and kick my legs and move my arms. I’m making them stronger.

Playing helps me learn, improve coordination, build strength, explore, and bond with you!

Look what I can do!​

I learn best when I feel happy, loved, and safe.

Birth to 3 Months

father-baby.jpg

The world is new to me. It can be scary. I may cry a lot at first.

  • Crying is my way to say I need you.
  • When we are skin-to-skin, I calm down. I learn that you care.
  • Holding me will not spoil me.

birth-baby.jpg

I must learn what day and night are.

  • At first, I sleep, wake up and eat, and go back to sleep often. This is normal and helps me grow.
  • After I am 3 months old, I may sleep for longer periods of time.
  • Please be patient as I learn.

women-baby.jpg

I know your voice.

  • I like to hear you talk.

4 to 6 Months

sleep-baby.jpg

I start to settle into a routine.

  • I can sleep longer at night.

smilingbaby.jpg

I’m growing strong
and active.

  • I can hold my head up.
  • I know my name when you say it.
  • I babble ba-ba-ba!
  • I can laugh.
  • Let’s play peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake.

baby-learning.jpg

Please read to me.

  • Show me the pictures and tell me what they are.

KEEP ME SAFE AND HEALTHY​

Follow the A, B, C’s of safe sleep:
A – Alone
B – On my Back
C – In a Crib

We can share a room, but not the same bed. I could suffocate if a pillow or toy covered my mouth or nose. Put me in my crib, alone, on my back to sleep. Use a firm mattress. Do not put pillows, quilts, bumper pads, or toys in my crib.

Wipe my gums and teeth with a clean, wet, soft cloth or a soft rubber or silicone finger brush after every feeding. Schedule my first dental visit as soon as my first teeth appear, or by my first birthday, and begin using a soft toothbrush with a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Always watch me to make sure I don’t swallow the toothpaste.

Wait until I am able to sit up on my own and open my mouth when I see food coming. This is usually around 6 month of age.

If I’m given solid foods before I’m ready, I could choke or get sick.

Wash your hands before making my food and feeding me.

Keep me away from tobacco smoke. It hurts my lungs.

Never leave me alone at bath time or while changing me.

Buckle me into an infant car seat in the car. Learn how to install the seat correctly, in the car's back seat, facing backwards.

DO NOT let me have these foods until I am at least 1 year old:

Milk

Cow’s milk or other non-dairy milks (like soy or almond milk). It’s too hard for me to digest and may cause health problems.

Honey

Honey and foods made with honey. Honey can contain bacteria that cause infant botulism, or food poisoning. These bacteria are harmless to older kids and adults.

Introducing Peanut Butter

If my healthcare provider says it is ok, let me try peanut butter around 6 months of age. Doing this might help prevent a peanut allergy as I grow older.
  • In the morning, mix one teaspoon of peanut butter with breast milk or formula. Make it thin and easy to swallow.
  • Use a spoon to offer a taste of the thinned product. Wait 10 minutes, then offer more. Watch for any reaction for the next 2 hours.
Check with your pediatrician about the newest guidelines for preventing peanut allergies.

Check out the Wyoming WIC Infant Feeding Guide to learn more!

For additional support, contact your local WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor or WIC Designated Breastfeeding Expert for breastfeeding questions.

Install this web app on your iPhone: tap ios-share and then Add to Home Screen.

SIDE-LYING HOLD

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position