If you have decided to breastfeed, it is better to stick to it without using any supplements in the first 6 months. Later on, if possible, you can continue breastfeeding and use supplements until the age of one year. When you are breastfeeding, it is important to eat a varied well-balanced healthy diet. It is also important to consult your doctor before taking any medications to make sure they aren’t harmful for your child.
Even if you choose not to breastfeed or can't do so, it is important to avoid giving your baby any other type of food or drink except breast milk or formula, such as water, juice (even if it is natural!) or cornflour to enrich the milk. Cornflour supplement isn’t necessary, even before bed-time. Most children don’t need it, and will only gain unnecessary weight, suffer from constipation and a tendency for obesity in older ages.
Avoid over feeding, which can manifest as a rapid gain of weight and vomiting at the end of a meal. Remember, not every time your baby cries it is a sign of hunger. Crying could also be a sign of discomfort, tiredness or just restlessness, and it is important not to give a bottle each time he cries.
Last updated: May 2017
Authors - Tamar Sudry BA MED, Dr. Yair Sadaka MD PhD, pediatrician, Pediatric neurologist
Sources:
The Israeli ministry of health