Final answer:
A healthy infant should eat enough to support rapid growth, typically tripling their birth weight by the first year. Newborns initially gain about 28 grams daily for the first two months, then roughly 0.45 kg monthly. Growth in length averages about 2.5 cm monthly for the first six months, then 1.2 cm for the next six.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount an infant should be allowed to eat is guided by their rapid growth and development needs. A healthy full-term newborn generally triples their birth weight by their first birthday. In the initial stages after birth, newborns may lose a small percentage of their weight, but this is usually regained quickly as feeding becomes established. During the first two months, an infant normally gains about 28 grams (1 ounce) per day and then about 0.45 kg (1 pound) per month for the rest of the first year. This pattern of weight gain is vital to ensure the baby's development, particularly the growth of the brain, heart, and lungs.
In terms of growth in length, infants typically grow about 2.5 cm (1 inch) per month during the first six months and approximately 1.2 cm (0.5 inch) per month for the second six months. These measurements reflect the rapid bodily changes occurring in infancy which significantly dictates their dietary needs. Adequate nutrition is essential to support this rapid growth. While each child's needs may vary, the general feeding recommendations are established to meet the average infant's developmental milestones and growth rates.