Mother and Child

If you're raising a picky eater, you might worry that your child isn't getting the nutrients necessary for proper growth and development. But you probably don't need to worry unless your doctor tells you that your child isn't growing at the normal ra...

If you're raising a picky eater, you might worry t...

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 tryin...

Until now, feeding your baby has been your job. Bu...

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 fo...

By about 8 months old, most babies are pros at han...

This is the age when most babies are introduced to solid foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommends gradually introducing solid foods when a baby is between 4 and 6 months old, depending on your baby's readiness and nutritio...

This is the age when most babies are introduced to...

Sizing Up Sugar Foods that are high in added sugar (soda, cookies, cake, candy, frozen desserts, and some fruit drinks) tend to also be high in calories and low in other valuable nutrients. As a result, a high-sugar diet is often linked with obesity....

Sizing Up Sugar Foods that are high in added sugar...

Most parents wouldn't dream of giving their kids a mug of coffee, but might routinely serve soft drinks containing caffeine. Foods and drinks with caffeine are everywhere, but it's wise to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially in younger...

Most parents wouldn't dream of giving their kids a...

Carbohydrates are the body's most important and readily available source of energy. Even though they've gotten a bad rap lately and are sometimes blamed for the obesity epidemic in America, carbs are a necessary part of a healthy diet for both kids a...

Carbohydrates are the body's most important and re...

Breastfeeding is considered the best nutritional option for babies by the major medical organizations, but it's not right for every mother. Commercially prepared infant formulas are a nutritious alternative to breast milk, and even contain some vitam...

Breastfeeding is considered the best nutritional o...

As with breastfeeding, there are some challenges to consider when deciding whether to formula feed. Organization and preparation. Prepare your baby's formula by mixing water and the appropriate amount of powdered infant formula. The packaging on the ...

As with breastfeeding, there are some challenges t...

Although it is the best feeding choice for babies and mothers, breastfeeding does come with some concerns that new mothers may share. Whereas it's easy from the get-go for some, it can be challenging. Sometimes, both mother and baby need plenty of pa...

Although it is the best feeding choice for babies ...

Your milk supply is determined by the stimulation that your baby provides while nursing. In other words, the more you breastfeed, the more milk your body produces. So, if you seem to be producing less milk than usual, you should try to feed your baby...

Your milk supply is determined by the stimulation ...

Nursing is a wonderful experience for both mother and baby. It provides ideal nourishment and a special bonding experience that many nursing mothers cherish. Here are some of the many benefits of breastfeeding: Infection-fighting. Antibodies passed f...

Nursing is a wonderful experience for both mother ...

Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of the first decisions expectant parents will make. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) joins other organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dietet...

Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed you...

Whereas some women may feel like they don't have enough milk, others may feel like they're making too much. Some mothers' bodies just produce more milk than their babies need. Others overstimulate their breasts by pumping or expressing milk between f...

Whereas some women may feel like they don't have e...

Breastfeeding "strikes" are very normal and often last only a few days. Still, this can be worrisome, especially in a baby who usually breastfeeds with no problems at all. So why might your child suddenly stop wanting to breastfeed? Here are some pos...

Breastfeeding "strikes" are very normal and often ...

Although some mothers may want to keep their babies in bed with them to make breastfeeding more convenient at night, cosleeping with babies can be hazardous. But you can still choose to keep your baby close and make nighttime feedings easier by letti...

Although some mothers may want to keep their babie...

Breast milk contains many vitamins as well as easily-absorbed iron. The iron from breast milk will be sufficient until your baby begins eating iron-rich cereals around 6 months of age. All babies need vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D is added to ...

Breast milk contains many vitamins as well as easi...

Sometimes, babies spit up when they: have eaten too much burp (the notorious "wet burp") drool Many infants will spit up a little after some — or even all — feedings or during burping because their digestive tracts are immature. That's perfectly no...

Sometimes, babies spit up when they: have eaten t...

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that babies be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months. Beyond that, the AAP encourages breastfeeding until at least 12 months, and longer if both the mot...

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the W...

Newborns should be woken up every 3 to 4 hours until their weight gain is established, which typically happens within the first couple of weeks. After that, it's OK if a baby sleeps for longer periods of time. But don't get your slumber hopes up just...

Newborns should be woken up every 3 to 4 hours unt...

If you're using formula because you're not producing the amount of milk your baby needs, nurse first. Then, give any pumped milk you have and make up the difference with formula as needed. If you are weaning from one feeding at the breast or from bre...

If you're using formula because you're not produci...