Babies and Infants Need Fat in Their Diet

The designations of baby, babies, infant and infants apply to children from the moment they are born until they are one year of age. Babies' brain development is progressing at an astronomical rate during the period of infancy and appropriate nutrition is critical for that development to happen safely. During this time of life, infants require fat in their diets in order to grow and be healthy. In fact, an infant's nutritional requirements call for a diet that is steeped in fats and calories. Research has shown for a long time that breastfeeding is a natural, healthy and economical way to ensure babies receive appropriate nutrition.

Babies and Infants Fat Needs Four-Six months

Typically, around the ages of four to six months infants are transitioned from only breastfeeding or bottle feeding to solid foods. The Pediatric Manual of Clinical Dietetics states that during this period of growth an infant or baby requires at least 30 to 55 percent of the calories they need to come from fat. Fat is a nutrient that helps babies in the digestion of critical vitamins such as: A, D, E and K. Not only does fat support the digestion of these vitamins, it continues to be vital to infant brain development and it vital in helping a baby regulate body temperature.

Babies and Infants Fat Needs: Cheese and Yogurt

As mentioned earlier, breast milk is the preeminent way for an infant or baby to assimilate the amount of fat needed on a daily basis. When breastfeeding is not an option, for whatever reason, feeding an infant baby formula that meets the USDA level for fat will meet nutritional needs for healthy brain development

Nutrition information indicates that yogurt and cheese are two foods high in the fat needed by infants and babies. It is important that the yogurt and cheese given to infants and babies be cultured. The culturing process breaks down difficult to digest lactose and proteins. Cultured milk, cheese and yogurt foods are best for infants and babies digestive systems. It is appropriate for babies and infants to start drinking whole milk and eating yogurt when they are about seven months of age. An infant's consumption of cheese can be begun anywhere from eight to nine months of age.

Babies and Infants Fat Needs: from Avocados

This may seem a little odd, but avocados provide a superb way for infants and babies to get fat and calories they need into their diet. Avocados are full of essential folates, vitamins, fiber, potassium and iron. These nutrients are called good fats and they are critical for healthy brain development.

Babies and Infants Fat Needs: Oils for Baby

Another important element for getting appropriate levels of fat in an infant or baby's diet is to use oil. One oil that is easy for an infant's body to digest is flaxseed. Flax contains omega 3 oils, lingans and fiber. Another important source for adding fat, via oils, to an infant's diet is coconut oil and coconut milk. It is important to be sure to use virgin coconut oil because it is typical for commercial oils to be bleached through processing.