infant nutrition
Breast milk
It is recommended that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first 4 to 6 months, as breastfeeding has 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 in the first few months and adapts to the infant's needs. It also contains protective antibodies and has a positive influence on the baby's future health. Furthermore, breast milk is inexpensive and is always at the right temperature. For the mother, breastfeeding promotes the regression of the uterus, 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 that the baby's nutritional needs are met. Both breast milk and infant formula contain all the nutrients a baby needs in the first six months, except for vitamin K, which is given to the baby by 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.
Complementary foods
In the first few months of life, the digestive system and kidneys must first mature and the chewing and swallowing functions must develop before the baby is ready for the introduction of complementary foods. Complementary foods describe all foods that the baby receives in addition to breast milk or infant formula. The introduction of the first foods should begin at the earliest at the beginning of the 5th month and at the latest at the beginning of the 7th month. Babies have their own rhythm and show when they are ready for their first meal.
Which foods at what age?
As soon as the baby starts eating complementary foods, their diet becomes more varied. In addition to breast milk or infant formula, they can also eat a more varied diet. Initially, complementary foods are only a supplement to milk meals and can only gradually replace them. Complementary foods also help to meet the baby's increasing nutritional needs. At first, your baby will only eat a little, as they first have to learn how to handle the new foods, chew them, and swallow them. Patience is required: every child has their own rhythm for getting used to new foods.
Introducing complementary foods
1st–4th/6th month: The baby is fed exclusively breast milk or infant formula.
5-7 months: In addition to milk feeds, the baby is introduced to its first foods.
From 10 months: The baby now also tries more solid food in small pieces. They slowly begin to eat like grown-ups. However, meals should still not be salted or sweetened.
From the 12th month: The child can now eat everything that adults eat and drink cow's milk. However, caution is still advised to prevent choking. Foods such as whole nuts, small berries, grapes, cherry tomatoes, hard pieces of vegetables/fruit, etc. should not yet be given to the baby.
You can continue to breastfeed throughout the first year and even beyond. Once your baby is eating three complementary meals a day, they will need additional fluids. Fresh, cold tap water is ideal for this.
Our pharmacy stocks infant formula from various manufacturers. Come by and let us advise you.