Fluoride supplementation:
Babies should not be given fluoride supplementation until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months to 3 years, fluoride supplementation is recommended only if local fluoride water concentration is low (<0.3 ppm).
Iron and zinc rich foods:
Iron and zinc rich foods should be given starting at the age of 6 months. If iron is low, then oral iron drops may be given before the age of 6 months.
Premature infants:
Premature babies should be given multivitamins and iron supplements until they are consuming a mixed diet and other body systems are normal.
When not to breastfeed or use breast milk:
Conditions for which to avoid breastfeeding infants: There are a number of conditions that should be mentioned in which infants should not be breastfed. Avoid all medications prior to breast feeding unless known to be safe and after seeking guidance from the obstetrician. Mothers should obtain guidance/approval from the obstetrician for any infections prior to breastfeeding including (but not limited to) varicella (chicken pox virus), herpes zoster virus (shingles), HIV, hepatitis, influenza, human T-lymphotrophic virus, herpes simplex virus, and tuberculosis. Pregnant mothers are usually screened as a standard of care for most of these infections during pregnancy by the obstetrician but this must not be assumed since failure of this responsibility by health care providers is possible.
