Other feeding issues

Unless your health care provider tells you otherwise, it's OK to give your baby cow's milk after their first birthday. Give your baby only whole milk until age 2. Your baby needs the extra fat in whole milk.

Remember to talk with your health care provider about switching to 2 percent, 1 percent or skim milk at age 2.

Check with your health care provider if you think your baby has a milk allergy.

When to give your baby water

You can give your baby extra water each day, but you don't need to. Give your baby spring water, distilled water, well water (if tested and has safe bacteria levels) or tap water.

If you have a private well, have it tested for fluoride levels. Call 651-201-4600651-201-4600 or 1-800-383-98081-800-383-9808 or send an email to health.wells@state.mn.us to get more information.

Fluoride is essential for healthy teeth. Tap or city water contains fluoride. No extra fluoride is needed. If you have a well, your well water may be low on fluoride. You can consider having your water tested as your child may need special tablets or drops to provide fluoride. If you have questions, talk with your dentist or pediatrician.

What you should know about vitamin D

Your baby needs vitamin D to make healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D is made by skin exposure to direct sunlight. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies and young children stay out of direct sunlight when outside. This is especially true for babies younger than six months old.

Breastmilk contains all the vitamins and minerals your baby needs, except for vitamin D. Give your baby 400 IU of a vitamin D supplement every day. You may start giving the liquid drops in the first few days of your baby's birth.

Formula contains vitamin D in addition to the other vitamins and minerals your baby needs. Talk with your health care provider if your baby drinks less than 32 ounces of formula a day. Your baby may need a vitamin D supplement.

When to worry about spitting up

Your baby may spit up or vomit (throw up) after a feeding. Call your health care provider to schedule an appointment if:

• your baby vomits three feedings in a row
• your baby vomits with force
• your baby vomits more than once in a while
• your baby coughs or has extreme fussiness during feedings (because of spitting up)
• you see blood in the vomit or if it is green in color

When to let your baby explore finger foods

At about nine months old, your baby will be able to sit in a high chair. Your baby will enjoy being at the table eating with your family. This is a good time for your baby to explore finger foods.

Let your baby play with the spoon and explore different textures of food. Cut up finger foods in small pieces to prevent choking.

What to do when your baby doesn't eat much

Between 9 and 12 months old, your baby may not eat much. This is normal. Your baby isn't growing at the same rate before their first birthday — those extra nutrients are no longer needed.

Don't give your baby extra milk, juice or non-nutritious snacks because you think they are not eating enough. Offer three meals a day plus healthful snacks and breastmilk or formula. Limit juice because it may keep your baby from getting hungry.