7 reasons to keep breastfeeding

How to Know if Breastfed Baby is Full? The longer a mom breastfeeds, the more she responds to her baby’s signs of fullness.

While most women around the world breastfeed their babies in the early months, breastfeeding rates at 12 months of age vary widely. With the Health Canada recommendation to breastfeed for 24 months or longer, there is every reason to carry on for as long as it works for you both.

The most common breastfeeding concerns, answered by a Nestlé lactation specialist.

Did you know? Offering sugary drinks to your baby adds extra calories to their diet and makes tooth decay more likely. It can also mean they drink less of the breast milk and water they need for healthy growth and development.  

Experts agree breast milk is best for babies. Not only is it the most nutritionally complete food your newborn will ever have, but it also benefits you and your baby in other ways, some that will last a lifetime.

Did you know? Your baby’s dietary patterns are set before their second birthday. The first two years of their life are a crucial time for establishing healthy eating patterns that can last a lifetime.

By Dr. Jeff Habert, family physician

Did you know? You’re a role model for your baby—what you eat and drink influences their choices.

Your baby’s growing (so fast!) and his digestive system is developing, too.

Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, and sustained for up to two years or longer with appropriate complementary feeding is important for the nutrition, immunologic protection, growth, and development of infants and toddlers and has many benefits for you as well.

Now that your baby is eight to 10 months old, has enjoyed their first tastes, and is becoming more experienced at eating, it’s time to move on to lumpy foods and helping them learn to feed themself.

By Charlotte Geroudet, Registered Dietitian

How will you feed your newborn?

By now you've noticed that everything seems to make its way into your little one’s mouth. Once he’s able grasp small objects, eating those little goodies is exactly what he'll try to do. His tiny teeth are ready to be put to good use. Although he's only using them for cutting, not really chewing, that doesn't mean your child is ready for just any food you offer.

Now that your 10-12-month-old is really getting the hang of feeding themself, keep offering them a wide variety of foods and textures to establish good, healthy eating habits.  

Around the world babies are not eating enough fruits and vegetables. How can you make sure your baby has a balanced diet?

Perhaps one of your most important jobs as a parent is to be a good role model for your baby, particularly when it comes to healthy eating. But just how much of an impact does what you eat and drink now have on your little one’s future?

Choosing a feeding method can weigh on any parent’s mind—so here’s what you can consider when it comes to meeting your baby’s nutrition needs.

When you’re out and about and your baby is hungry between meals, you can give them a healthy mini meal. Here are 5 ideas to get you inspired.