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Introducing solids is an exciting milestone but knowing when and how to start is important for your baby’s development.  According to Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society, solids should be introduced around six months. Even as complementary foods are introduced, breast milk and/or formula should remain the primary source of nutrition and can continue to provide essential nutrients for up to two years or longer. This gradual transition ensures your baby’s dietary needs are fully supported.1 Not sure if your baby is ready to explore solid food? Some common developmental signs of readiness2: Sitting up without support and neck muscles have strengthened. Showing interest in food when others are eating. Ability to pick up small foods and try to put it in their mouth. Indicate interest by leaning or turning away to show that they don’t want food. Here are some tips on how to introduce solids safely and effectively: Your baby’s safety is critical during feedings. Follow these guidelines3: Always supervise your baby while they eat. Start with soft foods and then gradually progress to a variety of textures. Minimize the risk of choking by avoiding hard foods, small and round foods, and smooth and sticky foods – such as hard candies, whole grapes, hot dogs, nuts and seeds, and peanut butter by itself. Introduce common allergens over separate feedings to monitor for reactions. Cook meats and eggs thoroughly. Do not offer unpasteurized dairy products or juices. Do not introduce honey until your baby is over 1 year old. How to Introduce Solids The transition to solids can be fun and engaging for your baby. Here are some ways to help make it a positive experience3: Iron-Rich FoodsBegin with iron-rich options like meats, meat alternatives, or iron-fortified cereals. Offer these multiple times a day. FrequencyGradually increase the number of solid food offerings as your baby adjusts. Self-FeedingEncourage your baby to explore different textures and practice feeding themselves with finger foods from family meals. Ensure the pieces are cut into appropriate sizes to avoid choking and make it easier for your baby to handle. Hunger Cues Pay attention to hunger cues and when your baby signals they are full.  Establish a RoutineAs they approach 12 months, try establishing regular meal and snack times. For more guidance, visit Health Canada or the Canadian Paediatric Society for sample menus and ideas. By taking it step by step, you can ensure your baby’s transition to solids is safe and enjoyable. References1. Government of Canada, 2024. Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Six to 24 Months. Accessed December 2024. URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-food-guide/resources/nutrition-healthy-term-infants/nutrition-healthy-term-infants-recommendations-birth-six-months/6-24-months.html2. Canadian Paediatric Society, 2020. Feeding your baby in the first year. Accessed December 2024. URL: https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/feeding_your_baby_in_the_first_year3. Government of Canada, 2014. Infant nutrition. Accessed December 2024. URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/infant-care/infant-nutrition.html#a2

Breast milk is the ideal nutritional start for babies. In fact, experts recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of baby’s life and continuing up until two year and beyond. 1-3 Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula feed, or combine them, knowing when your baby is hungry or full can help you meet their needs – from day one! Recognizing Hunger and Fullness Cues4 0-6 months Your baby’s stomach is tiny, so they’ll need small, frequent feedings to keep them full and with a happy belly. You can count on 8-12 feedings per day to help them grow strong and healthy. When your newborn is hungry, look for these clues: Opening mouth wide when nipple brushes lips or when cheek is stroked  Rooting for nipple Bringing fingers or hands to mouth Crying as a late sign of being very hungry When your newborn is full, you may notice:  Releasing of the nipple Slowing down or stopping sucking Falling asleep (keep an eye out for a little smile!) To learn more about feeding and the tips, techniques and positions to enhance your bond with baby, check out our Guide to Feeding Your Newborn. 6-12 months As baby grows from a newborn to an infant, feeding frequency will slow. Whew! Try working towards 3-5 breast milk and/or baby formula feedings, while offering 2-3 nutritious complementary foods and 1-3 snacks per day. Hunger cues will have also evolved since their newborn stage. Look out for your baby: Showing excitement or reaching out when food is presented Opening mouth wide and leaning toward spoon, nipple or bottle Fussing as a late sign of being very hungry Once full, your infant may show you by:  Getting easily distracted and looking elsewhere. Spoon or nipple is batted away Leaning back, clenching mouth, turning head or pushing away from nipple or food 12+ months Welcome to the toddler stage! By now, a variety of appropriate solid foods may be offered regularly alongside breast milk or formula as part of a balanced diet. Keep an eye out for these hunger cues:  Expressing desire for food with words, gestures or sounds Leading you to the fridge or cupboard, pointing to the desired food When full, your toddler may start: Shaking their head Using phrases like "all done," "no more" or "get down" Becoming easily distracted or playful with food   References : 1. Government of Canada, 2023.Nutrition for healthy term infants: recommendations from birth to six months. Accessed 2024 September. URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-food-guide/resources/nutrition-healthy-term-infants/nutrition-healthy-term-infants-recommendations-birth-six-months.html 2. Canadian Paediatric Society, 2020. Breastfeeding. Accessed 2024 September. https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/breastfeeding 3. World Health Organization, 2023. Infant and Young Child Feeding. Accessed 2024 September. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding 4. Canadian Paediatric Society, 2020. Feeding your baby in the first year. Accessed 2024 September. https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/feeding_your_baby_in_the_first_year

Health Canada recommends that, for the nutrition, immunologic protection, growth, and development of infants and toddlers, you breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and you sustain it for up to two years or longer with appropriate complementary feeding.1,2 If you need help breastfeeding, healthcare professionals, family and friends can often provide support, encouragement and advice during this period of learning to feed your new baby. There are a variety of reasons you may choose to supplement breast milk with formula, like: Baby isn’t gaining weight as quickly as your doctors would expect, mom’s milk is taking time to come in, or on rare occasions, you’ve been advised by your doctor to avoid providing breast milk in order to protect your baby due to health concerns. Here’s some information about your formula choices to help determine what’s best for you and your baby. The facts Unlike regular cow’s milk, infant formulas contain the recommended amounts of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals required for baby’s healthy growth & development. Healthcare professionals recommend cow’s milk-based, commercial iron-fortified formula for infants who aren’t exclusively breastfed because it offers a complete source of nutrition for your baby during the first year.1,* All infant formulas in Canada meet strict nutritional standards, but not all formulas are the same. 100% whey, partially hydrolyzed protein is a type of cow’s milk protein that has been partially broken down into smaller pieces. Hospitals don’t carry all infant formula brands. Look for a formula with the benefits of probiotics, 2’-FL, and DHA There have been many scientific advancements to infant formulas—consider choosing a formula that contains: ProbioticB. lactis: Probiotics are part of what gives breast milk its natural protective qualities. Probiotic B. lactis contributes to baby’s healthy gut microbiota and supports their developing immune system.2 Probiotic L. reuteri: Probiotic L. reuteri contributes to baby’s healthy gut microbiota and helps to reduce fussiness3,4and mild spit-ups.5,+  2’-FL HMO: HMO are bioactive compounds found in breast milk that offer protective benefits for your baby. HMO support your little one’s digestive health and developing immune system. One of the most abundant types of HMO in breast milk is called 2’-FL.6-8 DHA: DHA contributes to your baby’s normal physical brain and eye development. Formats Infant formula comes in three different formats and you can choose one, two or all three for your baby—whatever your daily routine can handle! Ready-to-Feed Formula New to formula? This easy-to-use format was made for your convenience. Comes in a ready-to-use sterile nurser form (Attach nipple. Warm**. Feed!) Do not mix with additional water.§ Concentrate Formula "Add Water" concentrated liquid infant formula is easy to use and prepare for added convenience Requires additional amount of sterilized water§ Mixes easily (No clumps or scoops!) Powder Formula Convenient Great value! Requires powder be added to desired amount of sterilized water§   Introducing Infant Formula: Step-by-Step Follow these simple instructions to supplement breastfeeding with formula or transition to formula feeding: Substitute one mid-day breastfeeding with a bottle-feeding. Relieve your breasts between feedings by expressing small amounts of milk (only if necessary). Talk soothingly when you offer the bottle and give extra loving attention. Substitute another breastfeeding with bottle-feeding every 2-3 days until you reach your desired balance between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. Some Additional Thoughts on Transitioning Do not replace two consecutive feedings on the same day when you first begin weaning. If you continue with breastfeeding in the morning and evening, or leave them as your last substitutions, you will have greater flexibility to return to work or share daytime feedings with others. The transition to formula may happen smoothly, but sometimes it takes a little longer. All babies and moms are different, so try to be patient, relax and enjoy your time together. * All breastfed and partially breastfed infants in Canada should receive a daily vitamin D supplement of 10ug (400 IU). +In breastfed babies. **Do not use a microwave oven to warm formula, as it can produce hot spots in the bottle that can burn your baby. § Your baby’s health depends on carefully following the label directions for preparation and use. References 1 Joint statement of Health Canada, Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada, and Breastfeeding Committee for Canada. Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Birth to Six Months. 2012. Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Birth to Six Months - Canada.ca 2Holscher H, et al. JPEN. 2013;36(1):106S-116S. 3Chau K, et al. J Pediatr. 2015;166(1):74-78. 4Czerkies L, et al. J Pediatr Health Nutr. 2019;1(1):19-26. 5Garofoli F, et al. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2014;65(5):646-648. 6Bode L, et al. Glycobiology. 2012;22(2):1147-1162. 7Goehring K, et al. PLoS One. 2016;146(12):2559-2566. 8Storm H, et al. Global Pediatric Health. 2019;6:1-10.