Your baby: Other feeding issues
Unless your health care provider tells you otherwise, it's OK to give your baby cow's milk after his first birthday. Give your baby only whole milk until age 2. Your baby needs the extra fat in whole milk.
Check with your health care provider if you think your baby has a milk allergy.
When to give your baby water
You can give your baby extra water each day, but you don't need to. Give your baby spring water, distilled water, well or tap water.
If you have a private well, you may consider having it tested for fluoride levels. Fluoride is essential for healthy teeth. If your well water is low on fluoride, you can get special tablets or drops for your child. Your child may start fluoride supplements at age 6 months. If you have any questions, talk with your dentist.
What you should know about vitamins
Breast milk and formula both give your baby all the vitamins and minerals needed for strong growth and strength. Stored in fat cells, vitamin D is triggered by direct sunlight.
Try to get your baby into direct sunlight for about 5 minutes, at least every other day, with her hands and face exposed. When this is not possible, talk with your baby’s health care provider about vitamin D supplements.
When to worry about spitting up
Your baby may spit up or vomit after a feeding. This is normal during infancy. Call your health care provider to schedule an appointment if your baby:
- vomits three feedings in a row
- vomits with force
- vomits more than once in awhile
- coughs or has extreme fussiness during feedings (because of spitting up).
When to let your baby explore finger foods
At about 9 months old, your baby will be able to sit in a high chair. He will enjoy being at the table eating with your family. This is a good time for your baby to explore finger foods. Let him play with the spoon and explore different textures of food when he or she has developed a pinching grasp between the thumb and first finger. Make sure to cut up finger foods in small pieces to prevent choking.
What to do when your baby doesn't eat much
Between 9 and 12 months old, your baby may not eat much. This is normal. Your baby isn't growing at the same rate before her first birthday — those extra nutrients are no longer needed. Do not give your baby extra milk, juice, or non-nutritious snacks because you think she isn’t eating enough. Offer three meals a day plus nutritious snacks and milk. Limit juice because it may suppress her appetite.
Feeding General feeding schedules
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