Feeding your baby 

Feeding your baby in the first year of life is an exciting adventure for parents and babies alike. It's about development, nutrition, exploration, sharing and learning. You can help your baby develop a lifetime of healthy eating habits with the right start. 

The first 6 months

For the first 6 months of life, breastfed babies will get what they need from their mother's milk. Breast milk has the right amount and quality of nutrients to suit your baby's first food needs. It is easiest on her digestive system, so there's less chance of constipation or diarrhea. Breast milk also contains antibodies and other immune factors that help your baby prevent and fight off illness better.

Babies who are exclusively breastfed should get a daily supplement of vitamin D, which is available as drops.

If breastfeeding is not an option, use a store-bought iron-fortified infant formula for the first 9 to 12 months. The formula should be cow's milk-based.

Introducing solid foods

At 6 months, most babies cannot get everything they need from breast milk or formula alone. Though you can continue to breastfeed until your baby is 2 years and beyond, at 6 months you'll start to introduce your baby to other foods. Your baby is ready to start other foods when he:

• Seems hungry earlier than usual
• Can sit up without support, and has good control of his neck muscles
• Holds food in his mouth without pushing it out on his tongue right away
• Shows interest in food when others are eating, and opens his mouth when he sees food coming his way
• Can let you know he doesn't want food by leaning back or turning his head away.

There are many ways to introduce solid food. The first foods usually vary from culture to culture and from family to family.

 

Use the drop down menu or these links below

• Breast Feeding
• Bottle Feeding
• Solids