Infant Nutrition
Breast milk
It is recommended to exclusively breastfeed the baby for the first 4 to 6 months, as breastfeeding offers many benefits for both the child and the mother. Breast milk strengthens the bond between mother and baby. It provides the baby with all the nutrients it needs during the first few months and adapts to the infant’s needs. It also contains protective antibodies and has a positive impact on the baby’s future health. Furthermore, breast milk is cost-effective and is always at the right temperature. For the mother, breastfeeding promotes uterine recovery, reduces the risk of breast cancer, and can facilitate weight loss.
Infant Formula
If breastfeeding is not possible, infant formula can be used as a substitute to ensure the baby receives the nutrition it needs. Both breast milk and infant formula contain all the nutrients a baby needs during the first six months, except for vitamin K—which the baby receives from the pediatrician—and vitamin D, which should be given daily in the form of drops during the first three years of life. Vitamin D is important for bones and teeth.
Solid Foods
During the first few months of life, the digestive system and kidneys must first mature, and the ability to chew and swallow must also develop so that the baby is ready for the introduction of solid foods. Solid foods refer to all foods that the baby receives in addition to breast milk or infant formula. You should start introducing the first foods no earlier than the beginning of the 5th month and no later than the beginning of the 7th month. The baby has its own rhythm and will show when it’s ready for its first meal.
Which foods at what age?
As soon as the baby starts eating solid foods, their diet becomes more varied. In addition to breast milk or infant formula, they can also eat a wider variety of foods. At first, solid foods are only a supplement to milk feedings and can only gradually replace them. Solid foods also help meet the baby’s increasing nutritional needs. At first, the baby will eat only a little, as they must first learn to handle the new foods, chew them, and swallow them. Patience is key: Every child has their own pace for getting used to new foods.
Introducing Solid Foods
Months 1–4/6: The baby is fed exclusively breast milk or infant formula.
Months 5–7: In addition to milk feedings, the baby is introduced to their first solid foods.
Starting at 10 months: The baby now also tries solid foods in small pieces. They are slowly beginning to eat like grown-ups. However, meals should still not be seasoned with salt or sugar.
Starting at 12 months: The child can now eat everything that adults eat and drink cow’s milk. However, some caution is still needed to prevent choking. Foods such as whole nuts, small berries, grapes, cherry tomatoes, hard pieces of vegetables or fruit, etc., should not yet be given to the baby.
You can continue breastfeeding throughout the entire first year and even beyond. As soon as the baby is eating three solid meals a day, additional fluids are needed. Fresh, cold tap water is ideal for this.
At our pharmacy, you can find infant formula from various brands—stop by and let us advise you.