Iron
Iron is an essential mineral your child needs for his blood and the development of his brain. Adequate iron is already present in breast milk. Most formulas are iron fortified and contain an appropriate amount of iron for babies. We do not recommend the use of low iron formulas.
Vitamins
Formula contains all the vitamins your baby needs. Breast fed babies require vitamin D supplementation which you can find over the counter, since breast milk is low in vitamin D.
Solid foods
Solid foods are not necessary or desirable until your baby is 4-6 months of age. Your baby gets all the necessary nutrients from breast milk or formula until this age. Your baby is ready for solids when the following occurs:
- The baby is at least 4 months old
- Is able to sit in an infant chair
- Shows interest in what you eat
When foods are introduced, generally one new food is begun every several days. Water supplementation is unnecessary for both formula fed and breastfed infants until 6 months of age. Whole cow’s milk should not be given before one year of age.
Honey
Do not give your baby honey before his first birthday. Certain bacteria that are sometimes found in honey may cause a serious disease called infant botulism in your baby. Older children don’t get this disease, so feeding them honey is not dangerous.