This information covers feeding babies who are in the first year of life.

Normal stages of feeding

Babies need to go through several stages of feeding, starting with milk. Breast milk is best for most babies, but some will need a special formula milk. They then move on to solid foods, often starting with pureed (mashed up) foods, and then on to lumpy and finger foods, before moving on to family foods. This is called weaning.

Milk

Breast milk is best for most babies.

However, some babies with CKD need a special renal formula milk as the kidneys become less able to clean blood.

If your baby needs this, your renal dietitian will design a recipe especially for them and show you how to make this up at home. This recipe may change as your baby’s needs change and your dietitian will check this regularly.

You may need to:

• give this special renal formula milk on its own
• mix it with breast milk – you will need to express your breast milk with a pump, or
• mix it with standard formula.

Monitoring feeding and weight gain

Your healthcare team will check that your baby is getting enough milk to meet their needs at each stage of their development.

They will weigh your baby regularly.

If your baby’s weight gain is slow, your dietitian may recommend a more concentrated milk formula so that it is higher in energy. If there are concerns about your baby’s feeding, it may be helpful to keep a diary. You can include:

• the date
• the type of milk (breast milk or formula)
• the amount of milk your baby has taken
• any comments – including whether your baby is well, has reflux or is vomiting.

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