[Parenting] Food For Baby (0-6 Months)

 

 

Food For Baby (0-6 Months)

WHAT TO FEED 

• Breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula: 
• This is all your baby needs until foods are introduced when your baby is developmentally ready. This usually happens between 4 and 6 months. 
• Vitamin D supplement: 
• If you are exclusively breastfeeding, give your baby a daily supplement of Vitamin D, since levels in breast milk are very low. 
• The amount of breast milk or formula your baby needs will change as they grow. 

WHAT TO AVOID 

• Milk: 
• Drinking dairy milk before 12 months may result in intestinal bleeding and serious issues for your infant. 
• Plant-based beverages: 
• Soy, rice, almond, and other plant-based milks are not recommended for your infant. In the case of dairy allergies or intolerances, your pediatrician will work with you to find an alternative infant formula option. 
• Honey: 
• In children younger than 12 months, honey may cause botulism, a serious illness. 
• Fruit juices: 
• Drinking juice can discourage your baby from eating other nutritious food that is not sweet. 
• Sugary drinks: 
• Avoid soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened teas. 
• Cereal: 
• Do not add cereal to breast milk or formula in your baby’s bottle. This will not help your baby sleep at night and may interfere with how well nutrients are absorbed from breast milk or infant formula.