children s health issues
Breastfeeding
Introduction
Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. Although babies may be fed breast milk or formula, the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusive breastfeeding if possible for about 6 months, with introduction of solid foods thereafter. Other organizations suggest parents introduce Starting Solid Foods in Infants between 4 months and 6 months of age while continuing breastfeeding. Signs that a baby is ready for solid foods include good head and neck control, ability to sit upright when supported, interest in food, opening their mouth when offered food on a spoon, and swallowing food rather than pushing it back out. Most babies start to show these signs by 6 months of age. Introducing solid foods before 4 months of age is not recommended. Introducing peanut- and egg-containing foods before 12 months of age is encouraged because there is evidence that this may prevent the development of allergy to these foods. After children reach 1 year of age, breastfeeding may continue, depending on the preferences of the mother. However, after age 1 year, breastfeeding should complement a full diet of solid foods and other fluids. Sometimes breastfeeding is not possible (for example, if the mother is Taking Medications While Breastfeeding ), and many healthy babies have been raised on (See also Overview of Feeding of Newborns and Infants and 