Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the most optimal source of nutrition for babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, as breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients during this period. Even after starting solid foods, it is recommended to continue breastfeeding for at least 12 months. However, breast milk may be deficient in vitamin D, so for exclusively breastfed infants, it is advisable to supplement with 400IU of vitamin D daily for bone health. You can easily find comprehensive vitamin supplements at the supermarket and giving 1 mL per day is sufficient. If the mother follows a vegetarian diet, she should also consider vitamin B12 supplementation, as deficiency can lead to anemia and developmental issues. Starting around 6 months of age, introducing iron-fortified solid foods or iron supplements becomes important, as breast milk alone may not provide sufficient iron for the baby’s growth.