Baby feeding guide: from breast milk & formula feeding to introducing solids
Ensuring your baby is sufficiently nourished is one of the most important parts of supporting the development of a healthy and happy child. From breastfeeding and bottle feeding to introducing solid baby food, feeding your little one doesn't have to be complicated. We've created this helpful guide for feeding baby at each stage of their first year.
0-6 months
During the first six months, your baby will draw their nutrients from breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula. A daily Vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (10 μg) is recommended for exclusively and partially breastfed infants from birth until one year of age. If you are breastfeeding, ensure that you are eating a healthy diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals, as well as DHA (a type of Omega-3 fat). DHA is an important building block of a baby's rapidly developing brain. And don't forget to have the baby bibs and burp cloths on hand.
6-9 months -- Introducing solids
At 6 months, most babies cannot get everything they need from breast milk or formula alone. The Canadian Pediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada, Health Canada and the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada recommend introducing iron-rich baby foods at 6 months of age. Iron is essential for physical and mental growth, and more is needed as your baby ages to avoid iron deficiency anemia. Iron-fortified infant cereal is a good place to start. Once your baby has accepted the new texture and taste, you can move on to puréed baby food meats and/or fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, peaches, peas and carrots. Introduce new foods gradually, one at a time.
9-12 months -- Transitioning to cow's milk
This is a good time to introduce cow's milk into your baby's diet. Doing so any earlier might pose significant developmental risks, as it does not contain the proper amount of iron that a younger baby needs, plus it contains higher levels of proteins and some minerals that are not appropriate for younger babies. You may introduce pasteurized whole cow's milk from 9 to 12 months and continue up until your baby is at least 2 years of age as you continue moving into toddler feeding.
This article is intended as general information. Always be sure to read and follow the label(s)/instruction(s) that accompany your product(s). Walmart will not be responsible for any injury or damage caused by this activity.
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