20 CAR § 1026-702 – Infant and toddler nutrition requirements

(a) It is recommended that mothers be allowed and encouraged to breastfeed their child at the childcare family home.
(b)
1. (1) The routine use of baby food, bottles, and formula shall be agreed upon by the caregiver and parent.
2. (2) Instructions regarding special needs for food, bottles, and formula, such as food allergies, shall be:
  1. (A) Obtained in writing from the parent; and
  2. (B) Followed by the caregiver.
3. (3) See Appendix B.
(c)
1. (1) Feedings for all children up to twelve (12) months of age shall be:
  1. (A) Documented by the caregiver; and
  2. (B) Available for review by the parent.
2. (2) This documentation shall continue for all children older than twelve (12) months of age who are still being given bottles.
(d) Children shall not share the same bottle.
(e) A sanitary method of cleaning baby bottles shall be practiced.
(f) Baby bottles shall be properly refrigerated.
(g) Microwaves shall not be used for heating bottles due to the danger of uneven heating.
(h) Infant feeding schedules shall be flexible and adapted to each infant’s needs.
(i) The solid foods fed to an infant shall be determined by the child’s parent or parents.
(j)
1. (1) Infants under six (6) months of age shall be held while being fed.
2. (2) Bottles shall not be propped.
3. (3) Infants six (6) months of age and older shall be held if needed.
(k)
1. (1) Infants no longer held for feeding shall either sit in:
  1. (A) Low chairs at low tables;
  2. (B) Infant seats with trays; or
  3. (C) Highchairs with wide bases.
2. (2) Safety straps shall be used with highchairs.
(l) Children under two (2) years of age shall not be fed foods that may cause choking, such as but not limited to:
1. (1) Hard candy;
2. (2) Raw carrots;
3. (3) Hot dogs;
4. (4) Nuts;
5. (5) Seeds; or
6. (6) Popcorn.