Publication
Fun first foods: An easy guide to introducing solid foods (Revised 2011)
What can my baby drink?
Milks
Breastfeeding can continue up to and after her first birthday for as long as you both wish. You may swap from infant formula to offer full-fat cow’s milk as a drink at one year. Follow-on formula which is intended for babies over 6 months is not recommended or needed. It is more expensive than formula.
Cow’s milk, full-fat and pasteurised , is suitable as a main drink after one year. However, after your baby is 6 months old, products made from cow’s milk such as yoghurt, fromage frais, custard and rice puddings can be offered. After 6 months you can also use full-fat cow’s milk for cooking, e.g. sauces and puddings. Semi-skimmed milk is suitable after the age of 2 only if your toddler is eating and growing well.
Goat’s or sheep’s milk are unsuitable for babies under 1 year, and after this must be pasteurised.
Soya-based infant formula should only be used on the advice of your doctor or health visitor. This is because of possible long-term side-effects of soya-based formula and its sugars content. These sugars can cause tooth decay, making it important for babies to drink from a fast-flow teat or a cup. Soya formula is not suitable as a bedtime drink unless you clean your baby’s teeth afterwards.
Other drinks
Water is the best alternative drink to milk. Use plain boiled water as mineral, sweetened, flavoured or carbonated water can be too high in salt and minerals for babies. Give the water in a cup. If the cup has a lid make sure the water can drip out if turned upside down. Leak-proof cups are convenient but encourage your baby to suck rather than sip.
Natural fresh fruit juices are a good source of vitamin C but contain naturally present sugars that can cause tooth decay. They are also acidic. Acidic drinks may erode your baby’s teeth. Fruit juices should be unsweetened, well diluted (1 part juice to 5 parts water) and given in a feeding cup at meal times only.
Sugary or diet fruit squashes, fizzy drinks and fruit drinks (these are fruit-flavoured sugary drinks) are not suitable for babies. This is because they are of low nutrient value in a baby’s diet and can harm her teeth. It is easy for a baby or toddler to fill up on these drinks and not have enough room for food. Between meals only offer your baby water or milk to drink.
Baby fruit and herbal drinks are not suitable for babies as they are usually sweetened.
Tea and coffee contain substances which prevent your baby getting nutrients from food and have no nutritional value themselves. Don’t give your baby tea or coffee even if very diluted.
The vitamin C in fruit juice will help your baby absorb iron from food. Offer it at meal times only from a cup