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Get answers to many frequently asked questions on topics related to infant and toddler nutrition—from general nutrition to breastfeeding and more.
General nutrition
Why is nutrition important for young children?
Young children need good nutrition for brain development and to grow healthy and strong.
Exclusive breast milk is the recommended source of nutrition for most babies for about the first 6 months of life. As children grow older, their nutrient needs increase. Feeding solid foods, in addition to breast milk or infant formula, helps meet these needs.
Vitamin D
Why does my young child need vitamin D? Can they get enough vitamin D from sunlight?
Vitamin D supports healthy bones. Rickets, a condition of weak bones, is rare. However, rickets can occur if your child does not receive enough vitamin D. Vitamin D comes from diet, a vitamin supplement, or getting enough sunlight exposure.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight. In addition, babies should wear protective clothing and hats to reduce skin cancer risk.
Sunlight is not a consistent source of vitamin D. A number of factors interfere with producing vitamin D from sunlight, including:
- Living at high latitudes—closer to the Polar Regions—particularly during winter.
- High levels of air pollution.
- Dense cloud covering.
- Clothing covering the skin.
- Use of sunscreen.
- Darker skin types.
Talk with your child's doctor or nurse if you want help ensuring your child gets enough vitamin D.
Emergency preparedness
Are there certain precautions I should take after a natural disaster?
In the event of a natural disaster, be prepared for challenges, including power outages, unhealthy living spaces, and unsafe water. Always check with local authorities on the status of the drinking water and follow boil water advisories. Learn more about:
Breastfeeding
Can mothers safely use medications while breastfeeding?
Although many medications pass into breast milk, most do not affect your breast milk supply or your baby's well-being.
You can search for more information about a specific medication at LactMed®. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have questions or concerns about taking medications while breastfeeding.
Visit CDC's Breastfeeding Prescription Medication Use page to learn more.
If I am breastfeeding, can I give my baby a pacifier?
Consider waiting until breastfeeding is well-established. At that time, using a pacifier during naps and at bedtime can help reduce risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Can toddlers be breastfed?
Yes. Breastfeeding is great for toddlers too. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months. Then, continue breastfeeding until your child is 12 months old or older while also introducing appropriate complementary foods.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months. Then, continue breastfeeding for up to 2 years or longer while also introducing appropriate complementary foods.
How much do I feed my baby if I'm feeding both breast milk and infant formula?
How much and how often babies eat may differ whether receiving both breast milk and infant formula or receiving only one or the other. If you have questions about your baby’s feeding patterns, talk with their doctor or nurse.
How do I know my newborn is getting enough to eat?
You can tell if your baby is getting enough to eat in several ways. Regular wet and dirty diapers are signs that your baby is eating enough. In addition, your child's doctor or nurse can check their weight and length to ensure they are growing well. These measurements are usually done at the well-baby visits. If you have questions about your baby's growth, talk to their doctor or nurse.
Have other breastfeeding questions?
See answers to frequently asked breastfeeding questions about:
- How growth is assessed for breastfed babies.
- How to continue to provide breast milk after returning to work or school.
- Which rights are available for breastfeeding mothers, and more.
Introducing solid foods
Will putting cereal in a bottle help my baby sleep longer?
No. Putting infant cereal or other solid foods in your baby’s bottle will not make them sleep longer. It could increase your baby’s risk of choking.
When can I introduce solid foods to my baby?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend introducing children to complementary foods around 6 months of age or when developmentally ready. Key signs your baby is ready for solid foods include:
- Sitting up alone or with support.
- Controlling their head and neck.
- Opening their mouth when food is offered.
- Swallowing food rather than pushing it back out onto the chin.
- Bringing objects to the mouth.
- Trying to grasp small objects, such as toys or food.
- Transferring food from the front to the back of the tongue to swallow.
Have concerns about your child's developmental milestones? Talk to your child's doctor and share your concerns.
What solid foods should my baby eat first?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you do not need to introduce your baby to foods in a certain order. Your child can begin eating solid foods at about 6 months old. By 7 or 8 months old, your child can eat a variety of foods from different food groups. These foods include infant cereals, meat or other proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, yogurts and cheeses, and more.
How long do I wait between introducing new foods to my child?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you start by introducing one food at a time and waiting 3 to 5 days between each new food. This helps you see how your child reacts to a new food.
Foods and drinks for my child
Do I need to worry about arsenic in my infant cereal?
If your child is eating infant cereals, offer infant cereals such as oat, barley, and multigrain instead of only rice cereal. Only providing infant rice cereal can increase your child's risk of arsenic exposure.
Any tips for picky eaters or helping my child try new foods?
Trying new foods can be difficult for your child. Do not be discouraged if your child does not like a new food on the first, second, or third try. It may take time to get used to some foods. Babies may need to try some foods many times before they like them. We have some great tips to help you now.
What is the difference between 100% juice and other juices?
Juice labeled 100% juice means the juice comes directly from fruits or vegetables and does not have added sugars. Check the Nutrition Facts Label and ingredients list to make sure the juice is 100% juice. Avoid drinks labeled as juice drinks, fruit drinks, and fruit-flavored drinks, which have added sugars.
Babies younger than 12 months should not have any juice. Children older than 12 months can have 4 ounces or less of 100% juice a day.
Should my child eat fish?
Fish provide key nutrients that support a child's brain development and immune system. Once your child starts eating solid foods, you can introduce fish. Fish contain an element called mercury. It is important to choose fish lower in mercury. Mercury can be harmful to your baby's brain development. For more information on the best fish choices, see the FDA and EPA's Advice About Eating Fish.