The cornerstones of infant nutrition

1. Cow's milk
Cow's milk is not recommended during the first year of life. An infant's intestinal tract is immature and is unable to screen out the large protein molecules that cause allergies. Cow's milk, wheat, fish or egg whites are the common food allergies during infancy and should be avoided. Also, during the first six months, the renal solute load (protein, sodium, potassium and chloride) of cow's milk may be too high for the infant's immature kidneys to excrete.

2. Goat's milk
Although goat's milk is more similar to human milk than cow's milk, it is inappropriate as the main liquid for infants to drink. Once milk is introduced, organic goat's milk may be tried as an alternative to cow's milk if your infant suffers from a cow's milk allergy.

3. Soy, rice and other vegetarian beverages
Soy beverages are also not a suitable substitute to human milk or infant formula in infants, as they have very low protein (except soymilk) and fat contents. Malnutrition has been reported in infants fed vegetarian beverages as their sole source of nutrition.

4. Fruit juices
If infants are fed fruit juice, the volume should be limited to avoid interfering with the intake of breast milk or infant formula. Excess fruit juice can cause diarrhea due to the high sorbitol and fructose content. Too much fruit juice can also lead to an inadequate intake of nutrients, poor weight gain, failure to thrive and dental concerns.

5. Other beverages
Fruit drinks, soft drinks and sports drinks are not recommended for infants due to their high sucrose content. Beverages containing caffeine and theobromine are not recommended due to the stimulant affect on the body.

6. Herbal teas
Tea contains no nutrients and may reduce an infant's intake of nutrient-dense fluids and foods. Also, some concern has been raised about the safety of herbal teas in infants after a reported case of toxic effects of herbal teas on an infant. At this time, herbal teas are not recommended for feeding infants.