For the first 6 months, your baby should only have breast milk. They should be deciding when and how much to drink. They should not have anything else to eat or drink, including water. However, it is important to give your baby a Vitamin D supplement if they are breast fed or drinking breast milk in combination with formula. The supplement should be 400 IU of Vitamin D every day during this time.
As you think about moving from breast milk to solid food, you may find the following information useful:
First foods – Around six months, your child will be ready to start trying food other than breast milk.
Finger foods – Your baby will want to use their hands to feed themselves, so here are some tips to help.
Food safety – It is important to make sure food is handled and stored properly to keep your child safe from food-related illness.
Recipes – Here are some ideas for what to feed your baby.
Around 6 months, it's time to introduce solid foods. It's also a great time to start having meals as a family.
You decide what food is offered and at what time.
Your baby decides which of the offered foods to eat and how much.
Forcing your baby to eat is never a good idea. You'll only create future problems.
Make meal times fun and encourage healthy food choices.
Be a good role model. Your choices influence your baby's eating habits and attitude.
Learn what to feed your baby with this resource:
By the time your baby is 1 year old, they should be learning to use a cup. Baby bottles should not be used for anything other than water and shouldn't be used at all after 18 months. Saying goodbye to the baby bottle can be hard, but you can make it easier. For information on helping your 1 to 3-year-old stop using a bottle use this resource:
If you are looking for additional support or information around feeding and/or nutrition information
Dietitian coverage may be available using your extended health care benefits.