Health options: feeding your infant

Doctors advise that breast-feeding should be continued for at least 6 months and ideally for a year. Breast milk is better for your baby than milk formula. This is because breast milk contains the ideal balance of nutrients for a baby and also provides valuable antibodies (proteins made by the immune system), which protect against infections. Another good reason for breast-feeding your baby is that in the first few days after childbirth, the breasts produce a fluid called colostrum, which is especially rich in vitamins, minerals, and antibodies to protect the baby from infection.

However, as long as the formula is prepared according to the instructions, bottle-feeding is a satisfactory alternative feeding method. The formula is a milk preparation usually based on modified cow's milk and contains valuable nutrients, similar to those found in breast milk. However, it lacks protective antibodies. By about 4-6 months of age, your baby can digest increasingly complex foods, and you can gradually introduce solid foods into his or her diet. However, your baby should also continue to receive breast milk or formula throughout the first year of life.

Breast- or bottle-feeding

If possible, all mothers should breast-feed for the first month. Every extra month brings more benefits, but bottle-feeding may be a solution if you are taking drugs that pass into breast milk and might pose a danger to your baby or if there are other considerations. Breast-fed babies are less susceptible to infections, nappy rash and to sudden infant death syndrome, and are less likely to become overweight as adults.

Natural protection from breast milk

Breast milk contains natural antibodies that protect against intestinal and respiratory infections and reduce the risk of allergies developing.

Nutritious formula

Most milk formulas are approximately as nutritious and digestible as breast milk but lack the protective antibodies that breast milk provides.

Weaning your infant

During weaning, gradually introduce solid foods, first as purées and later in mashed or minced form. To reduce the risk of allergies and digestive upsets, do not give wheatbased foods, eggs, cows' milk, citrus fruits, fatty foods, or strong spices before the age of 6 months, and avoid nut products and honey before a year. Avoid sweet foods and do not add salt to your baby's food.

Diet at 4-6 months

Start with baby rice or purées of vegetables or fruit during or after a milk feed. Slowly increase the amount of solid food, including puréed meat, fish, poultry, and pulses.

Diet at 6-9 months

You can now give mashed or minced food before the milk. Diluted fruit juices may be given. At 9 months, peeled apple and bread encourage self-feeding and provide chewing practice.

BMA Complete Family Health Guide
Copyright © 2005 Dorling Kindersley

Posted 30.06.2010

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