Nutrition in babies

Baby nutrition

Feeding a baby with CF is slightly different to feeding other babies. Additional needs include:

• Pancreatic enzymes that help to breakdown the starches, proteins and fats found in milk and solid food.
• Extra calories to aid weight gain and growth.
• Extra A, D and E vitamins.

Milk

Breast and normal baby milks are suitable for most babies with Cystic Fibrosis. Sometimes these milks need slight modification to provide the baby with more energy. Ask your doctor or dietitian about the best type of milk to use for your baby. For an in-depth account of the available options and an overview of the other dietary concerns, you can download our nutrution factsheets in the publications library.

Other drinks

Until four months of age, most babies only need milk, although in hot weather some need a little extra cooled boiled water. From six months onwards, water, well-diluted fruit juice or baby juice may replace an infant feed at mealtimes, but it is important to maintain a daily milk intake of 500 - 600 ml (one pint). Babies can be fed from a feeding cup at this stage.

Weaning and solids

Weaning is the process of gradually adding solids into a baby's diet. It is usually recommended from the age of about four months. There are certain signs that your baby is ready for solids. She or he may still being hungry even after a good milk feed or demand more feeds, even during the night.

NB If solids are started early, the amount of milk taken should not be decreased. In the early stages, solids are given to supplement milk intake, not replace it.

Suitable solids

The types of solids given should be similar to the ones given to all babies. The weaning process is broken down into three stages: 4-6 months, 7-9 months and 10-12 months.

Vitamin supplements

It is important that babies are given vitamin supplements to compensate for loss of vitamins A, D and E in the stools. Vitamins A and D are usually given together in a liquid preparation that also contains other vitamins from the B and C group. Vitamin E is given as a separate liquid preparation.

NB There is no need to give Mother and Children drops in addition to these vitamin supplements. You should discuss any additional supplements with your dietitian or doctor.

Pancreatic enzymes

Most babies with CF will need pancreatic enzymes. Dosage varies from baby to baby, so the hospital clinic will prescribe the right amount. For breast and bottle fed babies, it is best to mix the micro-spheres with a little fruit puree and spoon feed at the start of mealtime. The puree holds the granules in a gel, which makes them easier to swallow.

NB Do not place the dry granules into a baby's mouth, as this may cause choking.

Additional salt

Both breast milk and baby milk are very low in salt, which may cause problems for babies with Cystic Fibrosis. Salt solution is available on prescription from GPs. If your baby needs an extra salt supplement, your doctor will recommend this.

NB Do not add extra salt to expressed breast milk or bottle milk without advice from your doctor. Adding too much salt to a baby's feed can cause vomiting and kidney problems.