A nurse is providing teaching about infant nutrition to a group of parents and guardians. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Offer 1 tablespoon as a serving size for the infant's solid food.": For infants just starting solids, beginning with small amounts like 1 tablespoon helps prevent overfeeding and allows the infant to adjust to new textures and tastes. B. "Add 1 teaspoon of honey to the infant's bottle of formula if constipation occurs.": Honey should never be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism. Constipation should be addressed through other safe interventions, such as adjusting formula type or consulting the healthcare provider. C. "Introduce solid foods when the infant reaches 3 months of age.": Solids should not be introduced before 4–6 months, as the gastrointestinal tract and oral motor skills are not yet mature. Introducing solids too early increases the risk of choking and food allergies. D. "Introduce the infant to a new solid food every other day.": New foods should be introduced one at a time, generally spaced 5–7 days apart. This allows caregivers to monitor for possible allergic reactions and identify the specific food responsible if a reaction occurs.