Feeding your baby

• Breast milk is the best food for most babies.
• Try to breastfeed your baby for the first 6 months of life.
• Babies are ready to start solid food at about 5 or 6 months.

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Breast milk is the best food for most babies. It protects them from infections and allergies better than formula. Breastfed babies have fewer health problems than babies who get formula alone. Plus, breast milk is always ready, and free!

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies get only breast milk for about the first 6 months of life. If you’re breastfeeding, you should continue to do so for the next 6 months as your baby starts eating solid food. After 1 year, you can continue to breastfeed as long as you and the baby want. Just be careful about medicines you take. Some can pass to the baby in breast milk. If breastfeeding isn’t right for you, you can feed your baby formula. You can buy it ready to serve or to mix with water.

At about 5 or 6 months, your baby may be ready for solid food. You’ll know he’s ready when he shows a desire for food by opening his mouth, drooling and leaning forward. He may start chewing and bringing his hands to his mouth. Start him off with infant cereal mixed with breast milk or formula. At 6 to 8 months, when he sits upright, he can feed himself finger foods. Now, you can start soft fruits, cooked vegetables and juice.

Some parents buy food for baby, others feed their baby homemade baby food. Whatever you decide, choose healthy foods.

 

See also: Breastfeeding is best, Breastfeeding help, Keeping breastfeeding safe, How to Breastfeed, Using a breast pump, Organic foods: Are they better for baby?, A visit with a breastfeeding support group