Help Center & FAQs

Although most toddlers can eat from the family menu, there are still a few things to watch out for—choking hazards, for one. Cut their food into small pieces to guard against choking. Make sure your baby is seated and supervised at all times while eating. And check with your child's doctor to learn what foods your child should continue to avoid.

Babies generally get excellent nutrition with formula.

If your baby is breastfed, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving them a vitamin D supplement, as breast milk typically has very low levels of this nutrient. What's more, infants don't get sun exposure like adults do, to produce vitamin D naturally.

Your breastfed baby may also need an iron supplement, if your baby is born premature, or with low birth weight, or has low iron levels. Talk to your child's doctor before adding any vitamin supplement to their diet.

Your breastfed baby may also need an iron supplement, if your baby is born premature, or with low birth weight, or has low iron levels. Talk to your child's doctor before adding any vitamin supplement to their diet.

If your baby is still hungry, they may cry, act restless, suck on their fists, smack their lips, or open their mouth while feeding.

Look for these signs to help you determine whether your baby is full: closed lips, turned head, decreased or discontinued sucking, spitting out the nipple, falling asleep, or increased interest in their surroundings during feeding.

Related: Signs of a Hungry Baby From Birth to 6 Months

As a new parent, it may be challenging at first to translate what your baby is trying to tell you. Are they hungry? Are they tired? Over time, as you become more aware of your baby's habits and personality, determining their needs will become easier. Every baby's personality is different, but there are common cues to look for if you're not sure whether they're hungry or tired.

If your baby is hungry, they will most likely become fussy or restless. Their cries may also sound different. Hunger cries tend to be shorter and lower-pitched. If they're tired, they may rub their eyes, or clench their fists.

Related: Weaning Your Baby

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you wait until your baby's first birthday before giving them whole milk. Although cow's milk is fine for older children, it doesn't meet the nutritional needs of your baby during their important first year. For example, milk doesn't have the iron your baby needs. Plus, it's hard for their body to process.

Related: Infant Nutrition Guide

Enfamil^® NeuroPro^® Infant is an innovative, non-GMO* formula.

Enfamil^® Optimum™ is our closest formula to breast milk and is designed to provide complete nutrition for babies through 12 months. It has immune-supporting Lactoferrin, a key protein also found in colostrum and breast milk. It also has naturally occurring MFGM components and Omega-3 DHA.

*Ingredients not genetically engineered.

Babies should not have honey until their first birthday. This includes any foods baked with honey. Honey can cause botulism, a serious type of food poisoning.

Cow's milk should also be excluded from your baby's diet until after their first birthday. Cow's milk is too low in iron and vitamin C and too high in protein, sodium, potassium, and chloride for your baby's health and developing kidneys.

You should also avoid giving your baby tea and solid foods that can be choking hazards.

Related: Infant Nutrition Guide

Adding rice cereal to infant formula increases the calorie content and changes the balance between protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Enfamil A.R.™ infant formula is nutritionally balanced and more convenient than mixing baby rice cereal with infant formula. And, Enfamil A.R. is clinically proven to reduce frequent spit up. It has added rice starch which allows the formula to become thicker in the stomach.

Related: Why Do Babies Spit Up

Your baby will exhibit certain behaviors once they're full. They may close or refuse to open their mouth, turn their head away or shake it. At the start of feeding, your baby may finish small portions quickly and accept more eagerly, but eating at a slower pace or pushing food away are indicators that they've had enough.

Related: Hungry or Full? How to Tell When Your Baby is Eating Solids

Yes, babies should not have honey until their first birthday. Honey can cause botulism, a serious type of food poisoning.

Related: What Not to Feed Babies

Their eyes may be ready for solid foods, but their system is another story. Until about four to six months, most babies can only handle breast milk or formula. At around this time, your baby's head control and swallowing abilities may be ready for some iron-fortified baby rice cereal. Until then, keep your dinner out of arm's reach.

Related: How To Introduce Solids to Your Baby

For the first four to six months, breast milk or formula will give your baby all the calories and nutrients they'll need. When their digestive system and chewing abilities seem up for the challenge, check with your baby's doctor about giving them some iron-fortified rice cereal. A few spoonfuls at first, then a couple of tablespoons several times a day. It's generally best to introduce one new food at a time about one week apart, to watch for allergic reactions.

Related: Hungry or Full? How to Tell When Your Baby is Eating Solids

Babies do need a higher fat diet than children. Fat provides about half the calories in breast milk. Fat provides a concentrated source of calories to help fuel the rapid growth and development of the first year of life.

Related: Fostering Healthy Eating Habits