Babycare: Back to Basics - Diet Tips

Breastfeeding is obviously the best choice for your baby as it is known to strengthen the immune system, giving some protection against allergies developing. Skin-to-skin contact in the period immediately after birth, as well as during breastfeeding, is an excellent way of helping to colonise your baby’s skin with friendly and protective bacteria, which in turn will reduce the risk of skin infections developing.

Whether you breastfeed or formula-feed, remember to take care when introducing a mixed diet. This should not be attempted before your baby is six months old, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Your health visitor or dietician will be happy to advise you on what foods to introduce and when. This is especially important if there is any history of allergies in your family.

Weaning

When introduced, start with rice-based cereals. Wheat (gluten) based products could trigger an allergic response in a baby’s immature digestive system if introduced too early.

Cow’s milk should not be given as a drink until your baby is year old. However, milk in cooking and milk products (yoghurts and fromage frais) can be introduced from six months.

Cot Death - reducing the risks

• Breastfeed your baby
• Avoid smoking in pregnancy - fathers too!
• Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
• Place your baby on their back to sleep
• Do not let your baby get too hot
• Keep baby’s head uncovered - place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot, to prevent wriggling down under the covers
• If your baby is unwell, seek medical advice promptly
• The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in your room for the first six months.
• Do not share a bed with your baby if you or your partner:
  - are smokers (no matter where or when you smoke)
  - have been drinking alcohol
  - take medication or drugs that make you drowsy
  feel very tired
  
• Never sleep with a baby on a sofa, armchair or settee

For more advice on this issue the following organisations can be contacted:

www.sids.org.uk (The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths). FSID supports families affected by sudden infant death, and runs a ‘befriender’ service for bereaved parents. Parents and health professionals can call the Helpline, 02072332090, for baby care advice and free information.

www.babyfriendly.org.uk/bedshare.asp (part of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative website giving information on bed sharing)

www.sidscotland.org.uk(Scottish Cot Death Trust)

www.uk-sands.org (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society provides support for bereaved parents and families)

You may still receive free samples, whilst in the maternity unit or shortly afterwards. However, we recommend you do not introduce the baby skincare products until your baby is at least one month old.

This content contains guidelines. These provide you with up-to-date information to avoid confusion. Should you wish to use your own products, this is your decision. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask a member of staff at your local hospital or your community midwife/health visitor, once home.

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