The guidance and links on this page cover diet and nutrition support for children between the ages of 0 – 6 months.
Whether your breastfeeding, bottle feeding or looking to find more information about introducing solid foods we hope you find this page useful. From birth up until 6 months it is recommended that babies should receive breast or formula milk, around 6 months of age is the recommended age to introduce solid foods into your baby's diet.
The Health Visiting service work closely with the local Family Centres to offer support and advice to help you and your family stay safe, happy and healthy. If you feel you need any further support or advice around feeding your baby, please contact the Health Visiting Service.
Feeding your baby from birth
If you would like more information on breastfeeding, expressing breast milk, mixed feeding, (Using breast & bottle) or formula feeding you may find this link helpful. Here you will find helpful tips for breastfeeding and information around responsive feeding and safe preparation of formula milks.
https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/
If you feel that you would like to talk to someone directly about feeding your baby you can contact the Health Visiting Infant Feeding Team on 01702 534913.
For more information on Infant milks please visit First Steps Nutrition Trust
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Healthy Start
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. You are also able to get vitamins via the Healthly Start scheme. You can get these from the local Family Centres.
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Should I give my baby vitamins?
If you are breastfeeding it is recommended that mother and baby receive vitamin D. If your baby is taking less than 500mls of formula milk it is also recommended that that you give your child vitamins.
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Starting to think about solid food?
When your baby is between the age of 3-5 months you will be offered a starting solids contact by the Southend Health Visiting Service. It’s a chance for parents to ask any questions as we discuss the introduction of complementary foods into your baby’s diet alongside supporting your ongoing feeding journey. Your baby’s growth will also be measured.
Helplines
- National Breastfeeding Helpline, open every day from 9.30am – 9.30pm: 0300 100 0212
- National Childbirth Trust (NCT) – breastfeeding and antenatal support. Breastfeeding helpline, open every day from 8am – 10pm: 0300 3300 770
- The Breastfeeding Network – breastfeeding helpline 24 hours: 0300 100 0210
- Bengali/Sylheti Supporter line: 0300 456 2421
- La Leche League – 24 hour breastfeeding helpline: 0845 120 2918
- Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) – breastfeeding helpline: 0870 401 7711