A nurse is assessing a 3-month-old infant whose parents report starting cow's milk feedings 1 week ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale: A. Instruct the parent to give 5 mcg of vitamin D daily: While vitamin D supplementation is recommended for breastfed infants, this advice does not address the inappropriate introduction of cow’s milk, which can cause complications such as intestinal bleeding and iron deficiency in infants under 12 months. B. Instruct the parent to give the infant water every 3 hr between feedings: Offering water to infants under 6 months is discouraged, as it can displace essential nutrients from breast milk or formula and increase the risk of water intoxication due to immature kidneys. C. Advise the parent to avoid giving cow's milk to the infant prior to 1 year of age: Cow's milk is not suitable for infants under 12 months because it lacks adequate iron and nutrients, and its high protein content can irritate the immature kidneys and intestinal lining. D. Recommend the parent mix the milk with rice cereal for feedings: Mixing cow’s milk with cereal does not resolve its nutritional inadequacy or potential risks. Introducing solids and allergenic foods should follow developmental readiness and established pediatric guidelines.