Development-based Milestones
The Gerber Nutrition Journey is a unique milestone-based plan with guidance on developmentally appropriate feeding choices. In line with the CDC developmental milestones and the Dietary Guidelines for feeding infants and children, the Gerber Nutrition Journey recommends starting with breastfeeding because breastmilk is the ideal food for babies. Once baby is ready, Gerber can provide guidance on developmentally-appropriate feeding choices.
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Newborn Development
Gross Motor
- Little truncal (vertical) stability
- Needs head support
Fine Motor
- Reflexive grasp only
- Wraps fingers around object placed in hand
Oral Motor
- Rooting and sucking
- Early gag reflex
- Sucking reflex - Begins to suck when nipple touches roof of mouth
Newborn Nutrition
Eating skills
- Suckling pattern from bottle or breast
- Secures nipple with greater ease
Breastfeeding
Bottle feeding
Feeding Tips
Baby’s stomach is tiny, so small, frequent feedings are best
Keep in mind
It’s important for exclusively and partially breastfed infants to have 400 IU of Vitamin D supplementation per day beginning in the first few days of life.
Supplementing with probiotics can help to increase levels of good bacteria in baby’s gut.
Hunger Cues
- Cries or fusses to show hunger
- May bring fingers to mouth
- Roots for nipple or stops sucking
- May squirm or throw arms and legs about
- Moving, licking, or smacking lips
I'm hungry!
May bring fingers to mouth
Shows excitement when food is presented
Fullness Cues
- Slow down speed of sucking, may even fall asleep
- Start and stop feeding often, latch and unlatch on nipple frequently with only a few sucks in between, eventually will not relatch
- Seal lips tightly when nipple is reinserted
- Ignore or spit out nipple
I'm full!
Releases nipple or stops sucking
Baby with eyes shut with a bottle in their mouth.
