NUTRITION: Nutrition for healthy term infants (NHTI): 0–6 months | 6–24 months | NutriSTEP® | Overview NHTI 0–6 months (CPS) | 2019 Nutrition Guidelines (ODPH) | Dietitians of Canada
Breastfeeding: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life for healthy term infants. Introduction of solids should be led by the infant's signs of readiness-a few weeks before to just after 6 months. Breast milk is the optimal food for infants, and breastfeeding (with complementary foods) may continue for up to two years and beyond unless contraindicated. Breastfeeding may reduce gastrointestinal and respiratory infections and helps to protect against SIDS. Maternal support (both antepartum and postpartum) increases breastfeeding and prolongs its duration. Early and frequent mother- infant contact, rooming in, and banning handouts of free infant formula increase breastfeeding rates.
- Breastmilk storage: 2019 Nutrition Guidelines (ODPH) page 8
- Ankyloglossia and breastfeeding (CPS)
- Maternal medications when breastfeeding: Drugs and Lactation Database (TOXNET)
- Weaning: Weaning from the breast (CPS)
Vitamin D supplementation of 400 IU/day (800 IU/day in high-risk infants) is recommended for infants/children for as long as they are breastfed. Breastfeeding mothers should consume a standard multivitamin/mineral supplement that contains vitamin D (400 IU/day).
Vitamin D supplementation (CPS)
Infant formula: Formulas generally contain iron: 0.4mg–1.3mg/100ml. Discourage the use of homemade infant formulas.
- Formula composition and use Alberta Health Services Compendium and Summary Sheet
- Infant Formula: What you need to know (Best Start) | Preparation Video and Tip sheets (Best Start)
Milk consumption range is consensus only & is provided as an approximate guide.
Soy-based formula is not recommended for use in cow milk protein allergy or in preterm infants, and may interfere with absorption of T4 replacement therapy in infants with congenital hypothyroidism. Soy-based formulas (AAP)
Milk consumption range is consensus only & is provided as an approximate guide.
Dietary fat content: Restriction of dietary fat during the first 2 years is not recommended since it may compromise the intake of energy and essential fatty acids, required for growth and development. After 2 years, a gradual transition begins from a high fat milk diet to a lower fat milk diet, as per Canada’s Food Guide.
Soy-based formula is not recommended for routine use in term infants as an equivalent alternative to cow’s milk formula, or for cow milk protein allergy, and is contraindicated for preterm infants. CPS Position Statement
Introduction to solids: A few weeks before to just after 6 months, guided by infant’s readiness (CPS Caring for Kids), start iron containing foods to avoid iron deficiency. A variety of soft texture foods, ranging from purees to finger foods, can be introduced.
Allergenic foods: For all infants, including those at high risk for allergies, allergenic foods (especially eggs and peanut products) can be introduced with other solids around 6 months, but not before 4 months, as guided by the infant’s signs of readiness. Once allergenic solids are introduced, they should be fed a few times a week to maintain tolerance.
Timing of introduction (CPS) | Allergy check | Food Allergy Canada
Iron containing foods: At ~6 months, start iron containing foods to avoid iron deficiency.
Allergenic foods: Delaying the introduction of priority food allergens is not currently recommended to prevent food allergies, including for infants at risk of atopy. Dietary exposures & allergy prevention (CPS)
Avoid honey until 1 year of age to prevent botulism.
Dietary fat content: Restriction of dietary fat during the first 2 years is not recommended since it may compromise the intake of energy and essential fatty acids, required for growth and development. After 2 years, a gradual transition begins from a high fat milk diet to a lower fat milk diet, as per Canada's Food Guide.
Promote family meals with independent/self-feeding while offering a variety of healthy foods. NHTI: 6-24 months
Promote family meals with independent/self-feeding while offering a variety of healthy foods. NHTI: 6–24 months
Vegetarian diets: Vegetarian diets in children and adolescents (CPS)
Fish consumption: 2 servings/week of low mercury fish: Fish consumption and mercury (HC)