25. Infant Feeding and Food

Question 1

Breastmilk and Formula

Answer 1

~ programs must develop and follow procedures for the preparation and storage of expressed breastmilk outlined by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocols.
~ breastmilk and formula must be handled in a sanitary manner at all times and according to the manufacturer’s or families’ instructions
~ if instructions are not available, follow the policy set by the World Health Organization
~ breastmilk or infant formula provided for a specific child should not be fed to other children
~ if a child is accidentally given another child’s formula or milk, the provider must immediately notify the two families and complete incident reports

Question 2

Breastmilk and Formula Storage and Devices

Answer 2

~ for optimum digestion, formula and breastmilk should be served at body temperature
~ bottles can only be warmed once and then discarded within one hour
~ refrigerate prepared bottles immediately and use them within 24 hours
~ child care providers may return unused breastmilk to families in the bottle or container provided
~ any bottle-warming devices must be kept inaccessible to children at all times, including the cords, and secured to avoid splashing, tipping, or spilling
~ devices must be kept at the lowest possible temperature setting
~ if the device has a water reservoir, it must be emptied, washed, and refilled each day
~ microwaves cannot be used to heat bottles
~ always test heated bottles and foods before feeding to prevent injury to the child
~ use the inside of your wrist to test the temperature, making sure it is warm, not hot or cold

Question 3

Baby Food Jars

Answer 3

Child care programs cannot accept previously opened baby food jars. When a caregiver feeds a child baby food directly from the jar, it can only be used for one feeding and then discarded.

Question 4

Choking Hazards

Answer 4

Due to choking hazards, solid foods, including cereal, may not be given to children in bottles or with infant feeders unless authorized by a physician. Solid foods may not be fed to infants under four months of age, unless directed by a physician.