Milk and Finger Food

Milk

From six months, ordinary cows’ milk (whole fresh milk) can be used to prepare meals, such as to correct the consistency of dinners and in preparing desserts such as custard and rice pudding. Breast or formula milk should be used for drinking until 12 months of age, after which cow’s milk can be introduced as a drink.

Finger foods

You should encourage children to self-feed from 6 months onwards, but never leave your child alone when eating. Finger foods are very popular. Sticks or cubes of cheese are nutritious finger snacks, but be prepared for some ending up on the floor! Other popular finger foods include peeled fruit, bread, fingers of toast or small crackers.

Drinks

As your child accepts a wider variety and a larger amount of solid food, their milk consumption will gradually decrease accordingly. Up until the age of one year, infants need breast milk or about 500ml of formula milk each day, as a main drink. Give this amount in a way that suits your baby’s appetite, e.g: four bottles per day or three bottles per day. Try to encourage a cup or beaker from six months.

Water: Tap water which has been boiled and cooled can be given as a drink. Natural still or sparkling mineral water is not suitable for infants.

Baby fruit juices: It is important that these drinks do not replace milk in an infant’s diet and, if offered, should be well-diluted.

Tea, coffee, soft drinks, colas and squashes: Definitely not recommended for infants!