Quiz: Is your baby eating right?

Too much iron causes constipation
False. Although many infants become constipated from certain formulas -- and switching to a lower-iron formula tends to dissipate the problem -- there is no link between iron-fortified formulas and constipation, says Dr. Bayer. It's OK to switch to a lower-iron formula for a couple of months, but do return to the recommended iron-fortified by the time your infant reaches four months of age, when the store of iron passed to your baby via the placenta runs out. "If babies become iron deficient it can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which can cause developmental problems later on," explains Dr. Bayer.

New foods should be introduced one at a time
True. By six months of age, baby will need solid foods to supplement the nutrients in breast milk or formula. The Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) recommends beginning with the least allergenic foods first and those with iron, such as rice cereal, then moving on to other single-grain infant cereals, vegetables, fruits, and then meats. Egg whites, honey, citrus and peanut butter should only be introduced after one year of age as they can cause an allergic reaction. The CPS also recommends introducing new foods one at a time, waiting three to four days before moving to the next new food, to ensure your child is not allergic.

Infancy is not the time to worry about weight
True. While doctor visits routinely involve weight checks, the number on the scale and baby's percentile placement shouldn't overshadow healthy eating. "With infant nutrition, it's really about making sure they're getting the right nutrients in up until six months whether through breast milk or equivalent formula," explains Dr. Bayer. When infants start solids, then it's time to provide a diet full of nutritious foods from all food groups. "What they're like as babies doesn't mean what they're going to be like when they're older," says Dr. Bayer, referring to an infant's weight, adding that you should just be sure you're aware of what the right nutrition is and what's recommended.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about getting your child off to a great start.

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