A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parent of a 6-month-old infant about introducing solid foods into the infant's diet. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A rationale:
"I should start by feeding my baby 3 tablespoons of solid food." At 6 months of age, infants are typically just beginning to transition to solid foods. Starting with 3 tablespoons of solid food might be overwhelming and inappropriate for the infant's digestive system. Introducing small amounts and gradually increasing the volume allows the infant to adapt to the new textures and flavors.
Choice B rationale:
"I should limit my baby to 8 ounces of juice per day." Juice consumption should be limited for infants. Juice offers little nutritional value and can contribute to excessive calorie intake, leading to potential weight gain and tooth decay. At 6 months, the primary source of nutrition should still be breast milk or formula, and the introduction of solid foods is meant to complement, not replace these sources.
Choice C rationale:
"I should introduce a new solid food to my baby every five to seven days." This statement indicates an understanding of the recommended approach for introducing solid foods to an infant. Introducing a new food every five to seven days allows the parent to monitor for any potential allergic reactions or sensitivities. This gradual approach helps identify specific foods that the infant may not tolerate well.
Choice D rationale:
"I should sweeten my baby's food with a teaspoon of honey." This statement is incorrect and potentially dangerous. Honey should not be given to infants under 12 months of age due to the risk of infant botulism, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can multiply and produce toxins in an infant's immature digestive system. It's important to avoid honey until the child is older to ensure their safety.