Baby's First Year

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Feeding Your Baby

Feeding the baby is a major topic of conversation for new parents.

The information about infant nutrition is divided by age (up to six months and 6 - 12 months), facts about breastfeeding and information about formula feeding.

Infant Nutrition (0 - 6 Months)

Both the World Health Organization and Health Canada recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. "Exclusive" means feeding only breast milk: no infant formula, no solid foods, no water or other liquids should be given.

Continued breastfeeding, with the addition of nutrient-rich solid foods at six months, is recommended for up to two years and more (World Health Organization 2002; Health Canada 2004).

Region of Waterloo Position Statement Regarding Infant Nutrition 0-6 Months

The Region of Waterloo's position is that breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for babies, providing all the nutrients a baby needs for proper growth and development. Breastfeeding also offers many benefits for both baby and mother.

However, if it is not possible to feed your baby only breast milk for the first six months, iron-fortified cow's milk-based infant formula may be used to feed most babies.

Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula-feed your baby, breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula is all your baby needs for proper growth and development during the first six months of life.

DO NOT feed any of the following to babies under six months of age:

Water (breast milk or infant formula will satisfy a baby's thirst).
Evaporated or condensed milk (these are not suitable for babies and may cause harm).
Cow's milk, soy or rice beverages (these do not have all the nutrients your baby needs).
Cereal or other solid foods (baby may not get enough breast milk or infant formula for the nutrients they need).

Note: Giving cereal will not help your baby sleep through the night!

How to Feed Your Baby

Whether you feed your baby breast milk from the breast or bottle, or infant formula by bottle, do not expect your baby to eat on a schedule. Every baby is different and needs to be fed when hungry, not at a scheduled time.

Babies have small stomachs and need to feed frequently to satisfy both their hunger and thirst. Most young babies need to eat about every three hours, although some will become hungry sooner.

Watch for signs of hunger (see below) and try to feed your baby as soon as you see them. If you do not notice the hunger signs right away, your baby will begin to cry. It is easier to feed a calm baby, so try to feed before the baby gets upset.

Hold the baby close during feeding and let her eat as quickly or as slowly as she wants. Allow the baby to stop and rest during the feeding. Stop feeding when she shows signs of satisfaction.

Signs Your Baby May Be Hungry:

Sucks on hands.
Moves the lips.
Fusses or cries.
Opens mouth and turns head toward you.

Signs Your Baby May Be Satisfied:

Slows down or stops sucking.
Closes the lips.
Turns head away.
Pushes nipple away.
Takes more interest in surrounding things.

Infant Nutrition (6 - 12 Months)

At six months of age, breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula continues to be the main source of nutrition for your baby; however, most babies are ready for solid foods and need the extra iron that solid foods can provide.

As babies get older, they can eat more and go longer between feedings. By now your baby should want to eat more regularly than in the early months.

It is still important to watch for signs that your baby is hungry. However, as your baby gets older and starts eating solid foods, you may begin to establish a regular feeding routine.

By one year of age, most babies will be eating about six times a day: three meals and three snacks.

When feeding an older baby, you are still responsible for what your baby eats (breast milk or formula and solid foods). Your baby is responsible for how much to eat.

Feed your baby when showing signs of hunger and stop feeding when he or she is satisfied.

Signs Your Older Baby May Be Satisfied:

Loses interest in food.
Leans back.
Turns head away or shakes head.
Closes lips tight.

Tips for Happy Mealtimes with Your Baby

Frequently Asked Questions about Feeding Your Baby

When to Introduce Solid Foods

Do not feed your baby solid foods until you see signs that she is ready. Just because your baby is eating more than before, it doesn't mean she is ready for solid foods. She may just need more breast milk or formula.

Introduce solid foods only when your baby shows you she is ready. This usually happens:

When your baby is about six months old
When she sits alone or with little support and can control her head and neck well
When she is interested in food when others are eating
When she watches the spoon and opens her mouth as the spoon moves toward her mouth
When she closes her lips over the spoon

NOTE: Introducing solid foods too early can put your baby at higher risk of food allergy or intolerance and can result in the baby getting less breast milk or formula.

Solid foods may also cause your baby to choke, and they can be hard on the baby's kidneys and digestive system.

For more information go to the Introducion to Solid Foods page.

If you have a family history of allergy or plan to feed your baby a vegetarian diet, talk to your health care provider or call the Healthy Children Info Line 519-883-2245.

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