A nurse is providing teaching to the parent of a newborn who has gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Skim milk is not an appropriate snack choice for a 9-month-old infant. Infants under 12 months of age should not consume cow's milk, as it can cause iron deficiency, gastrointestinal bleeding, and allergic reactions. Infants should be breastfed or formula-fed until they are 12 months old.

Choice B reason: Unsalted popcorn is not an appropriate snack choice for a 9-month-old infant. Popcorn is a choking hazard for infants, as it can easily get stuck in their throat or lungs. Infants should not be given any hard, round, or sticky foods that can cause choking.

Choice C reason: Raw carrots are not an appropriate snack choice for a 9-month-old infant. Raw carrots are also a choking hazard for infants, as they are hard and difficult to chew and swallow. Infants should be given soft, cooked, or pureed vegetables that can be easily mashed with their gums.

Choice D reason: Graham crackers are an appropriate snack choice for a 9-month-old infant. Graham crackers are soft, easy to chew and swallow, and provide carbohydrates and energy. They can also help infants practice their self-feeding skills and finger coordination.

Choice A reason: Thawing frozen meat on the counter is not a good practice for food poisoning prevention because it can allow bacteria to grow rapidly on the surface of the meat. Thawing frozen meat should be done in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.

Choice B reason: Reusing leftover marinade as sauce is not a good practice for food poisoning prevention because it can contaminate cooked food with raw meat juices that may contain bacteria. Leftover marinade should be discarded or boiled for at least one minute before using as sauce.

Choice C reason: Apple pie is a good choice for food poisoning prevention because it is unlikely to contain harmful bacteria or toxins. Apple pie is made from cooked apples, sugar, flour, and butter, which are low-risk ingredients for food poisoning. Apple pie should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer after cooling to prevent spoilage.

Choice D reason: Cooked rice is not a good choice for food poisoning prevention because it can harbor a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which can produce toxins that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Cooked rice should be cooled quickly and stored in the refrigerator for no more than one day or in the freezer for longer periods. Cooked rice should be reheated thoroughly before eating.