3.16.2.1: Feeding Protocol for Infants and Breastmilk Storage
- Page ID
- 41701
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Infant Feeding Protocol for Early Childhood Program
Purpose
This protocol ensures that infants are fed in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate manner. It aligns with best practices and state licensing regulations to promote healthy growth and development while respecting individual feeding preferences and needs.
Feeding Guidelines
1. Parent/Guardian Communication
- Parents/guardians must provide a completed Infant Feeding Plan during enrollment.
- The plan should include:
- Feeding schedules.
- Types of milk (breast milk or formula) and solid foods.
- Instructions for introducing new foods, if applicable.
- Any known allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Updates to the feeding plan must be communicated in writing as the child’s needs change.
2. Breast Milk and Formula Handling
- Breast Milk:
- Must be provided in labeled bottles with the child’s full name and date.
- Stored immediately in the refrigerator upon arrival.
- Warmed using a bottle warmer or warm water bath; never microwaved.
- Discard any breast milk left in the bottle after a feeding.
- Formula:
- Must be provided in ready-to-feed bottles or a container with clear mixing instructions.
- Prepared formula must be refrigerated if not used immediately and discarded after 24 hours.
- Discard any formula left in the bottle after a feeding.
3. Solid Food Introduction
- Solid foods will only be introduced after receiving written permission from the parent/guardian.
- Foods must be age-appropriate and follow the child’s developmental stage (e.g., purees, mashed foods).
- Staff will only serve solid foods provided by parents unless the center supplies food as part of its program.
4. Feeding Procedure
- Preparation:
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling bottles or food.
- Verify the child’s name and feeding plan before each feeding.
- Ensure all bottles, utensils, and feeding surfaces are clean and sanitized.
- Feeding:
- Feed infants on demand or according to their individual schedules and cues (e.g., rooting, sucking motions, or crying).
- Hold infants during bottle feedings to foster bonding and prevent choking.
- Never prop a bottle or leave an infant unattended during feedings.
- Post-Feeding:
- Burp the infant gently after feeding to reduce discomfort.
- Clean all feeding items (bottles, utensils, etc.) immediately after use.
- Record feeding times, amounts, and any observations in the infant’s daily log for parents.
5. Safe Feeding Practices
- Always ensure infants are fed in an upright or semi-upright position to prevent choking.
- Check the temperature of warmed milk or food before feeding.
- Use only labeled and parent-provided bottles, nipples, and food items.
- Follow allergy protocols to avoid cross-contamination.
6. Storage and Labeling
- All bottles and food containers must be labeled with the child’s name and the date they were prepared.
- Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours and in the freezer (in labeled bags) for up to 6 months.
- Opened jars of baby food must be labeled with the child’s name and refrigerated for no more than 24 hours.
7. Transition to Self-Feeding
- Staff will encourage self-feeding skills as infants develop (e.g., holding bottles, using spoons).
- Provide opportunities for infants to explore textures and practice self-feeding under close supervision.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
- Provide an adequate supply of labeled bottles, formula, breast milk, or solid foods daily.
- Update the infant feeding plan as dietary needs change.
- Communicate any concerns or special instructions with staff.
Staff Responsibilities
- Follow each child’s feeding plan exactly as instructed by the parent/guardian.
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene during all feeding-related activities.
- Document all feedings accurately and inform parents/guardians of any issues (e.g., refusal to eat, spitting up, or potential allergic reactions).
This protocol supports a safe, nurturing, and responsive approach to infant feeding while respecting family preferences and cultural practices.