Can I Feed My Baby Honey?

I’ve heard that I shouldn’t feed my baby honey. Is this true? – Cait Yes, babies younger than 1 year old should not be given honey. Clostridium bacteria that cause infant botulism usually thrive in soil and dust. However, they can also contaminate certain foods — honey in particular. Infant …

Choking

When a child is choking, it means that an object — usually food or a toy — is stuck in the trachea (the airway), keeping air from flowing normally into or out of the lungs, so the child can’t breathe properly. The trachea is usually protected by a small flap …

Feeding Your 4- to 7-Month-Old

Most babies this age are introduced to solid foods. Experts recommend gradually starting solid foods when a baby is about 6 months old, depending on the baby’s readiness and nutritional needs. Be sure to check with your doctor before giving any solid foods. Is My Baby Ready to Eat Solids? How can …

Feeding Your 8- to 12-Month-Old

By about 8 months old, most babies are pros at handling the iron-fortified infant cereals and the pureed foods that have been introduced as part of their diet along with breast milk or formula. Over the next few months, they start to explore table foods. Changing Eating Habits As you …

Finger Foods for Babies

Until now, feeding your baby has been your job. But as your baby gets older, your little one will want to do this more and more on his or her own. When babies begin feeding themselves — a new task most really enjoy — they’ll find that they like trying …

Fluoride and Water

Keeping kids’ teeth healthy means more than just daily brushing. During a routine well-child exam, you may be surprised to find the doctor examining your child’s teeth and asking you about your water supply. That’s because fluoride, a substance found naturally in water, plays an important role in healthy tooth …

Stopping the Bottle

Many toddlers become attached to their bottles. Besides providing nourishment, bottles also mean comfort and security. It’s important for parents to start weaning babies from bottles around the end of the first year and start getting them comfortable drinking from cups. The longer parents wait to start the transition, the more …

Weaning Your Child

Weaning is when a baby transitions from breast milk to other sources of nourishment. When to wean is a personal decision. A mom might be influenced by a return to work, her health or the baby’s, or simply a feeling that the time is right. Weaning a baby is a …

When Can Babies Begin Drinking Cow’s Milk?

At what age can babies switch from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk? – Tamika Infants younger than 1 year old need the nutrients in breast milk or formula. Breastfed babies over 1 year may continue to nurse, if desired, but at that point you can begin offering your little …

When Can My Baby Start Drinking Juice?

My 5-month-old seems to be interested in trying new foods. I’d like to offer him juice, but I’m not sure if he’s ready and, if he is, what type of juice drinks to give him. Any suggestions? – Michelle It’s best to wait until after a baby is 6 months …