Let’s Feed Our Infants Real Food – New Health Canada Guidelines

After delivery, I recommend breastfeeding only from 0 to 6 months of age. I am acutely aware of the pitfalls that breastfeeding mothers can run into. Do the best you can and be sure to seek help from a licensed lactation consultant when needed. Some parents decide to pump and bottle feed only. If you decide to formula feed your baby, that is ok too.

In the past, at 6 months of age, we have traditionally added cereal, fruits and vegetables – predominantly carbohydrate. In particular, the purpose of the cereal is to supply iron. In the interest of reducing your infant’s carbohydrate intake, you have the option of adding meat, fish and egg that is safely prepared to reduce risk of choking hazard. Interestingly enough, there are now recommendations in Canada advising parents on this very issue. ( Here is an alternative link) This may be done soon after 6 months. Although it may require patience and persistence as success will depend on the baby’s sensitivity to the texture of the food. There are many websites which discuss preparing meat for infants. Here is one example. A hemoglobin, which is an indirect way to monitor iron, should be checked at 9 months and can be done in the office. This is a standard American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation and will help ensure that your baby is receiving enough iron for proper development. Have a good day!