Healthy Babies Nutrition
Food Guide
Although you need about 300 extra calories per day to support your growing baby, you should eat smart. (Do NOT eat everything in sight!) Here is a good daily guide:
- Grains: six to 11 servings per day (example: one slice of whole grain bread)
- Veggies: three to five servings per day (example: 1/2 cup broccoli)
- Fruits: two to four servings per day (example: 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries)
- Milk: two to three servings per day (example: one cup of low fat yogurt)
- Proteins: two to three servings per day (example: two ounces of chicken with the skin removed)
Folic Acid
Folic Acid is important, even before you get pregnant. Folic acid aids in proper brain and spinal chord development. Women who are expecting a child or are trying to get pregnant should take 400 mcg of folic acid per day. You can get the amount of folic acid you need through eating the right foods or through a multivitamin.
Foods high in folic acid include:
- Brown rice
- Stir fry veggies (frozen or fresh)
- Beans
- Orange juice
Making the Right Choices
- Expecting mothers should eat four to six smaller meals per day versus the typical three larger meals.
- Drink six to eight glasses of water per day.
Foods to avoid
- Caffeine - limit to less than two cups of coffee, tea or soda per day. Caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Raw or undercooked meat, especially shellfish
- Unpasteurized juices, milk or cheeses
- Herbal supplements
© Copyright, 2008 Sedgwick County, Kansas
Please report problems to the webmaster
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED