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Experts in infant nutrition agree that breast milk provides the ideal food for a baby. Breast feeding also enhances mother-infant bonding.

What and how to feed a baby is probably the number one concern of new parents. Some questions, such as whether to breast or bottle feed, should be addressed before the baby is born, although circumstances may later prompt a parent to alter an earlier decision. And new questions constantly arise: "Is the baby getting enough (or too much) to eat?" "Does the baby need vitamins?" "When do I start solid foods?"

The general guidelines discussed in these cards are based on recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other authorities in infant nutrition. But it is important to remember that each baby is different and has his or her own nutritional needs. Discuss specific questions with your doctor.

How does infant nutrition affect the body?

Good infant nutrition is essential for proper physical and mental growth and development. At no other time does a baby grow as fast as during the first year of life, when the average baby triples his or her birth weight. Adequate calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals are essential to support this tremendous rate of growth.

Actually, good infant nutrition should begin even before the baby is born. To a great extent, the mother's nutritional status influences her baby's general health and nutritional needs after birth. For example, a mother who does not eat an adequate diet risks having a smaller-than-normal (low birth-weight) baby. This is particularly true of teen-age mothers who may still be growing themselves.

In general, a woman should gain 25 to 30 pounds during

pregnancy — a gain that is consistent with having a baby weighing the ideal of about 7 pounds at birth. This weight gain also provides some of the extra energy the mother needs if she plans to breast feed her baby.

Pediatricians and nutritionists agree that breast milk is the best food for a new­born baby. It provides all the nutrients a baby needs, and no commercial formula can match it. Ideally, a baby should be breast fed for the first 6 to 9 months of life. In recent years, a growing number of American women have elected to breast feed. In the early 1970s, only about 5 percent of babies were breast fed; today, more than half are. Special advantages of breast feeding include:

• It provides complete nutrition for the first 6 to 9 months of life.
• Breast milk contains immunoglobulins and other substances that bolster a baby's immune system.
• It is more convenient and economical than formula feeding.
• It promotes mother-baby bonding.

Ideally, breast feeding should begin in the first few hours of life. Studies indicate that a baby's suckling reflex is strongest shortly after birth, and the sooner nursing can begin, the better. The new mother should ask a nurse or other health professional to show her the proper way to position the baby to ensure that the baby can grasp the nipple and breathe properly while nursing.

Frequency of feeding varies from baby to baby — some want to eat every 2 hours, while others may be hungry only every 4 hours. In general, a newborn baby should be fed whenever he or she is hungry, which may be 6 to 12 times in a 24-hour period;

the average is 8 feedings over 24 hours. The length of a nursing session also varies; some babies are full after 8 to 10 minutes while others may want to nurse for a half hour. Most pediatricians recommend letting the baby set his or her own pace.

Of course, breast feeding is not feasible for all women, and for those who either cannot nurse their babies or choose not to for a variety of reasons, commercial formulas provide a good alternative. Most formulas are based on cow's milk, usually reconstituted skimmed milk or a mixture of skim milk and specially prepared whey protein to which lactose (milk sugar), vegetable oils, and perhaps certain vitamins or minerals are added. These formulas are easier for a baby to digest than regular cow's milk. Some babies cannot tolerate cow's milk, even in commercial formulas. For these babies, there are alternatives, such as formulas based on soy protein.

Formula comes in three forms: concentrated, which needs to be diluted; ready-to-use, in either bottles or cans; or powdered, which should be mixed with sterile water. Regardless of what type of formula is used, instructions should be followed carefully. Ready-to-use formula should not be diluted, nor should formula be given in extra-strength unless specifically recommended by a doctor.