Can a 5-month-old infant consume butter?

From the Guidelines

It is not recommended to give butter to a 5-month-old infant as their primary source of nutrition should still be breast milk or formula until around 6 months of age. According to the most recent guidelines from 1, infants at this age should be fed breast milk or formula, and complementary feeding should begin around 6 months with iron-rich or fortified foods. The introduction of butter, which is high in saturated fat and salt, is not appropriate for a young infant's nutritional needs and developing digestive system. Additionally, dairy products like butter can potentially trigger allergic reactions in some babies.

When introducing solid foods around 6 months, it's best to begin with single-ingredient foods like iron-fortified cereals, pureed vegetables, fruits, and meats, as recommended by 1. These first foods should be chosen to provide essential nutrients like iron and zinc that babies need as they grow. It's also important to note that the introduction of allergenic solid foods, including dairy products, should be done under the guidance of a pediatrician, as suggested by 1.

Some key points to consider when introducing solid foods to a 5-month-old infant include:

• Breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition until around 6 months of age
• Complementary feeding should begin around 6 months with iron-rich or fortified foods
• Single-ingredient foods like iron-fortified cereals, pureed vegetables, fruits, and meats are good first foods
• Dairy products like butter can potentially trigger allergic reactions and should be introduced under the guidance of a pediatrician
• It's essential to consult with a pediatrician before introducing solid foods to ensure the baby is developmentally ready and to get personalized guidance on appropriate first foods.

From the Research

Infant Nutrition

• The ideal source of nutrition for infants is breast milk, which provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and bioactive components 2.
• Infant formula can be used as a substitute when breastfeeding is not possible, and it is typically based on cow's milk or soymilk 2.

Introduction of Solid Foods

• There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the introduction of butter to a 5-month-old infant's diet.
• However, it is known that lactose is the main carbohydrate in human and mammalian milk, and term infants can digest about one liter of breast milk daily 3.

Allergies and Intolerances

• Lactose intolerance and cow's milk allergy are common misconceptions in infants and children, and they require different treatments 3.
• Infants with cow's milk protein allergy may be fed with breast milk or alternative formulae, such as extensively hydrolyzed protein formula or amino acid-based formula 4.

Dietary Recommendations

• Exclusive breastfeeding or feeding with a partial whey hydrolysate formula is associated with a lower incidence of atopic disease and food allergy 5.
• Human milk lipids provide essential fatty acids and bioactive components, and adding complex lipids to infant formula may enhance infant development and reduce infections 6.