This article discusses the when, why, what, and how of introducing solids to infants, so that neonatal nurses have the evidence based information to discourage premature introduction of complementary feeding.

Program Objectives:
* Identify human milk/formula as a complete food for infants to 6 months of age.

* Describe the consequences of "too early" or "too late" introduction of solid foods to infants.

* Name two concerns related to too early introduction of solids to infants.

Faculty Name: Sandra L. Gardner, RN MS CNS PNP

Title: Director of Professional Outreach Consultation

Bio: Sandra L. Gardner, RN, MS, CNS, PNP, is Director of Professional Outreach Consultation, a national and international consulting firm established in 1980. Ms Gardner is also co-director and founder of Nurse’s Professional Development and Practice Association, LLC, (NPDPATM).

Ms. Gardner’s writing achievements include a wide variety of articles, pamphlets, chapters, and book reviews. She is co-editor with Gerald B. Merenstein, M.D., of Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care, 7th edition, 2011. She has co-edited with Mary Hagedorn a book entitled Legal Aspects of Maternal Child Nursing Practice, 1997. She is on the editorial board of Neonatal Network, and the Pre & Perinatal Psychology Journal.

Ms. Gardner is an active member of the Colorado Nurses Association/American Nurses Association, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses and The Academy of Neonatal Nursing. She is a founding member of the Colorado Perinatal Care Council, a state advisory council to the Governor and the State Health Department on perinatal/neonatal health care issues.

Media Format(s): Print (English)