Infant Feeding Policy

At Common Ground Childcare, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for infants, which includes following best practices for infant feeding. We recognize that on-demand feeding is the most responsive and nurturing approach to meeting an infant's nutritional needs and should be the default feeding method in our center.

Key Points of the Policy:

1. On-Demand Feeding

   • We practice on-demand feeding as it allows infants to eat when they show signs of hunger, promoting healthy growth and development. This approach helps infants regulate their own intake, preventing over- or underfeeding.

   • Infants will be fed when they are hungry, and feeding will stop when they indicate they are full. We will look for and respond to hunger cues, such as rooting, sucking motions, and fussiness.

2. Parental Preferences

   • While on-demand feeding is our default method, we respect the wishes of parents who may have different preferences for feeding schedules. If a family requests a specific feeding schedule for their infant, we will document this in the child's care plan and follow the parent's instructions, as long as it aligns with health and safety standards.

3. Feeding Plans

   • For each infant, we will collaborate with parents to develop a feeding plan that includes information on the type of milk or formula, any dietary restrictions or allergies, and any specific feeding routines.

   • These plans will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure they reflect the infant's changing needs.

4. Breastfeeding

   • We fully support breastfeeding at our center. Parents or caregivers who wish to breastfeed on-site may do so in any public area of our facility or in a private area upon request. Breastmilk storage and preparation will be done according to proper handling guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the infant.

5. Formula Feeding

   • For formula-fed infants, staff will follow strict guidelines for preparing and feeding bottles. Bottles will be properly labeled and stored, and we will ensure all formula is prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions or parental guidance.

6. Documentation

   • All feedings, whether breastmilk or formula, will be documented in Brightwheel, including the time of feeding and the amount consumed, allowing parents to stay informed about their infant's intake throughout the day.

Our goal is to support each infant's feeding needs while honoring the preferences of their families. We are committed to creating a nurturing, responsive environment that promotes healthy feeding practices.

This policy was last reviewed as of the date of publishing of this post and was last updated on September 30, 2024.