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Pediatric Nutrition

Golisano Children's Hospital / Pediatric Nutrition / Feeding Your Baby

Feeding Your Baby

For infants, the ideal food is breast milk. Breast milk provides optimal proportions of all of the necessary nutrients, fats, and calories for a growing and developing baby. Breast milk also provides exceptional immunological protection from many illnesses, as well as fostering emotional bonding between mother and child. And, as a "bonus," breastfed babies seem to learn quickly how to gauge when they have had enough, and avoid the habit of overeating.

For babies who are unable to breastfeed, either due to health reasons of the mother or child, or due to scheduling conflicts, infant formulas on the market today are very safe and provide the full recommended balance of nutrients, fats and calories that babies need. Ask your child's pediatrician which brand and type of formula he or she recommends for your child.

As your baby grows, he or she will transition to solid foods, eventually eating many of the same foods you enjoy. This is often a time of confusion for many parents, especially those receiving a wealth of (often conflicting) advice from relatives, friends, and other resources. During this time, your baby's doctor can offer advice on when to start giving your baby solids, and what foods are best to start with.