The nutritional imbalances and potential foodborne illnesses from homemade infant formula could be life-threatening. For mothers who are unable to provide breast milk for their infants, commercial infant formulas are the safest alternative.

Vitamin K is an essential intervention recommended for all newborns to prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), and has been part of newborn care since 1961. Unfortunately, parental refusal of neonatal vitamin K has been increasing. Furthermore, higher refusal rates are associated with an increase in cases of VKDB and intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), which can be life-threatening or result in neurological impairment. Before delaying or refusing the vitamin K injection, consider the horrible outcomes of this decision.

​​​​​​​Fatty fish, like anchovies or salmon, is an excellent source of essential fatty acids. These fatty acids, particularly DHA, are necessary for retinal and brain development. Mothers who eat plenty of fish during pregnancy and breastfeeding may protect their babies from future low verbal IQ scores.

It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that babies be breastfed exclusively until about 6 months. At 6 months, a baby’s needs, particularly for certain micronutrients, exceed what can be provided by breast milk alone.

Many parents would like their children to develop taste preferences for a wide variety of foods, particularly healthy foods like vegetables. Food taste and flavor play a large role in food choices and preferences, and both biological and environmental factors influence taste preference in infants.