Breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months — no water needed; introduce solids at 6 months while continuing breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should begin within the first hour after birth. For the first 6 months, infants only need breast milk — no water or other fluids are required. At 6 months, solid foods can be introduced, while breastfeeding should be continued until age 2 or beyond. These solid foods must include iron-rich animal-based products. If breast milk is insufficient or unavailable, formula is a perfectly acceptable alternative — there is no need to feel guilty. The choice between breast milk and formula has far less impact on a child’s survival than ensuring they sleep on their back.
This costs nothing;
The World Health Organization recommends initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. It also a…
This costs nothing; it even saves money compared to formula. The main “cost” is time — breastfeeding takes up a lot of daily effort. The real challenge is maintaining this routine; breastfeeding must continue without interruption during the first 6 months.
The World Health Organization recommends initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. It also advises exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months — meaning no other foods or liquids, not even water — followed by the gradual introduction of safe, adequate solid foods while continuing breastfeeding until at least age 2. The national Health Commission’s guidelines likewise promote exclusive breastfeeding from birth to 6 months, and further stipulate that solid foods given after 6 months must contain iron-rich animal products.
World Health Organization. Breastfeeding. https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding；国家卫生健康委办公厅 (2024). 婴幼儿营养喂养评估服务指南（试行）（国卫办妇幼函〔2024〕452 号）. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202502/content_7002872.htm
Open source linkIf breast milk is insufficient or not an option, formula is a perfectly acceptable substitute — there is no need for guilt. The difference between breastfeeding and formula feeding is far smaller than the impact of ensuring safe sleeping practices. As for frequency of solid food intake: infants aged 6–8 months should consume solids 1–2 times daily, while those aged 9–12 months should have 2–3 servings per day. Their daily diet must include at least four of the seven essential food groups. For infants with severe eczema or egg allergies, the question of whether to avoid peanuts is addressed in Section 12 of this chapter — the answer is: there is no need to avoid peanuts.