Articles and Advice: Your Baby 0-6 Months

The Canadian Paediatric Society Nutrition Committee encourages exclusive breastfeeding your baby for the first 6 months of life. Breastfed infants should receive extra vitamin D in the form of a supplement.  Breast milk is the best food for your baby; it has the right amount and quality of nutrients to suit your baby's first food needs. It is easiest on the digestive system, so there's less chance of constipation or diarrhea.

Breast milk also contains antibodies and other immune factors that may help your baby prevent and fight off illness better. And breastfeeding can be continued until your child is two years of age and beyond. If you cannot breastfeed or choose not to, a store-bought iron-fortified infant formula is recommended for the first 9 to 12 months.