Health Eating
Babies (0-6 months)
Babies 0-6 months old should be fed either breast milk or baby formula to grow up strong and healthy. They should not be fed any solid foods until after they are 6 months old.
Breast Milk and Vitamin D
If babies are fed breast milk only, then they need a vitamin D supplement for healthy bones and teeth. The amount of vitamin D they need every day is 400 units, or 400 IU. You can buy vitamin D for babies at your local drug store. If you have any questions or concerns about the right amount of vitamin D to give your baby, just ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Baby Formula with Iron
Before deciding on a type of formula to feed your baby, talk with your doctor. It is best to choose a formula that has iron added to it. When looking for formula with iron added to it, look for the words “Iron Fortified” on the label. If you aren’t sure about what kind of formula to buy, ask your pharmacist for help.
For more information on feeding babies 0-6 months old visit the Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding sections of the HOPE website or visit the websites below:
BC Health Guide
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile69c.stm
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile69a.stm
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/kbase/as/ue5284/how.htm
Breastfeeding.com
www.breastfeeding.com
Canadian Pediatric Society
http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/pregnancy&babies/index.htm
Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/babies-bebes/nutrition/index_e.html
La Leche League
www.lalecheleague.org
Parents Canada
www.parentscanada.com/developing/baby/articles.aspx?listingid=72
Today’s Parent
www.todaysparent.com/baby/foodnutrition/article.jsp?content=4697&page=1
Source:
BC Health Files. Baby’s First Foods. Child Nutrition Series – HealthFile # 69c, May 2007. http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile69c.stm