Infancy is a period of higher growth. During infancy nutrient requirement is met by breast-feeding.
Breast milk is the best milk for an infant. There is no better substitute because of its biological superiority and easy availability. Breast feeding should be allowed as long as breast milk is available but breast-feeding should be stopped by around 1 year.
If breast milk is not available or is insufficient for the baby, supplementary feeds may be necessary. In case of bottle feeding sterilization of all the utensils, bottles and nipples should be taken care of. If required,milk can be diluted with sterile water.

Calorie requirement of a child is higher during this period. 50% energy intake is for basal energy, 25% for activity and 25% for growth. 70% calories are met by milk alone and rest of the calories are to be supplied by supplementary food after six months.
Protein requirement is also higher for skeletal and muscle growth (i.e. 2 gm/kg). But excess of protein intake is also harmful.
The allowances for ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin are easily met by human milk.
After 3-4 months wearing should be started.
Total fat intake should be 3 % of calorie intake.
Vitamin D content of formula should be taken supplements. Mothers milk is low in fats & Vitamin D.

GENERAL DIET
Early Morning - Milk Sugar, Breakfast, Suji Porridge, Half Boiled, Egg.
Mid Morning - Milk, Proteinex.
Lunch - Cerelac.
Evening - Germinated Moong, Soup.
Dinner - Mashed Banana with Honey
Before retiring - Milk

1. First solid food
· Cereals
· Wheat, rice or maize cooked with milk and sugar or with powdered pulses made into a soft paste.
· Fruit juices or soups.
· Mashed banana.
· Egg yolk
2. Second solid food
· Rice and dal or khichadi, idli, etc.
· Mashed and strained vegetables.
· Mashed fruits like banana, chikoo, apple, etc.
· Mashed potatoes.
3. Third solid food
· Chapati made of wheat or bread.
· Vegetables and fruits.
· Mashed pulses.
· Fish
· Eggs.
· Minced meat.