Baby nutrition

A baby's appetite is not always the same. It changes constantly during the first twelve months of life. Besides, every child is different. The first three to four weeks after birth are a time when you first get to know your baby and their needs. After this time, you will find it much easier to recognise their signals. Then breastfeeding becomes so natural to you that you don't even have to think about it much. It is best to have someone who has a lot of experience with breastfeeding support you during the first few weeks.

If you don't breastfeed your baby or only partially breastfeed your baby, infant formula from the supermarket or drugstore is the alternative. You can get different products such as formula that comes ready-to-drink in a bottle or formula that comes in the form of powdered milk. There are different types of infant formulas. In Germany, early infant formulas are roughly divided into ‘initial milk’ formula (Anfangsmilch) and ‘follow-up’ formula (Folgemilch). The ‘initial milk’ formula (Anfangsmilch), which is more similar to breast milk than the other formula products for babies, is available in Germany as so-called ‘pre-milk’ (Pre-Milch) and is marked with a numeral ‘1’ on the packaging. Always prepare the baby food fresh and follow the instructions on the package. If you are feeding your baby with formula in addition to breastfeeding, give your baby the breast first and then the bottle. All formula products from pharmacies, drugstores and supermarkets are developed and sold according to strict standards, regardless of price.

Otherwise known as baby food, complementary food is what you give your baby in addition to breast milk or formula. You can start feeding your baby complementary food in the form of purees when they are 17 weeks old at the earliest. You can also start later though. Until your child is seven months old, they don't need to be fed much complementary food at all. Also, the age specifications on ready-made baby food are only the earliest possible time from which the respective product can be fed. There is no reason to urge a child to eat from the age mentioned one the product. Basically, milk should still the main food for your child throughout their first year of life. So feel free to give your baby time to get used to eating.