Feeding your baby

If you bottle feed, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Don't add sugar to formula milk

• Some soya formulas may contain sugar, so check the label

• Water is the best drink to give between feeds

• Don't dip dummies into fruit juice or sugary drinks

• Don't leave baby with a bottle at night

• Don't give sugary or fruit drinks just before bed

Teeth which are bathed in sweet drinks for long periods of time have a high chance of developing tooth decay

Weaning

Babies are not born with a sweet tooth, so it is a good idea to encourage a taste for savoury or unsweetened foods

The following steps are recommended:

• Keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes only

• Offer water, sugar-free squash or milk to drink between meals

• Don't give sugary snacks between meals - try a banana, bread soldiers or bread sticks

• Sugary drinks at bedtime should be avoided

If your child needs medicine, ask the doctor or pharmacist for a sugar-free formulation.

Dummies

Please look at our "Tell Me About Sheet" on Dummies, which gives information on their correct use and how to reduce the possibility of long term effects on your child's teeth.