Infant Feeding

“Off to a Good Start” is a booklet developed by Health Scotland that aims to help parents make informed decisions about the method of infant feeding they will use.

Breast feeding

There is a wealth of evidence that shows the benefits of breast feeding for both babies and for the mother. For advice about breast feeding you can always talk to your midwife or Health Visitor.

The following websites provide useful information to mothers and fathers when deciding what method of feeding to use.

Bottle Feeding

If you have decided to use formula milk for your baby Health Scotland have produced a booklet called, “Formula feeding: How to feed your baby safely”.

For printed copies of these leaflets please contact NHS Orkney’s Health Promotion team on 01856 888084.

Healthy Start

Healthy Start is a government scheme whereby pregnant women and children under 4 can get free vouchers every week to spend on milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk. Families on certain benefits are eligible for the vouchers.

You can also get free vitamins - see the poster below for more details:

Weaning

As a parent, you want the best start for your baby. What your baby eats and drinks is important for her health now and in the future.

Health Scotland have produced a booklet called, “Fun First Foods-An easy guide to introducing solid foods”.

The information in this booklet may be quite different from what you have read before, or from what your friends and family may tell you. New research is always being carried out into feeding babies and the information and advice in this leaflet is based on the most recent findings. It will help your baby to get the best possible start.

Healthy eating for toddlers

The Infant & Toddler Forum supports families to make healthier nutritional choices and promotes good eating habits in early life.

It contains helpful information on a range of topics including coping with fussy eaters as well as guidance on portion sizes. The forum also provides information aimed at health and child care professionals.

Please speak to your midwife or Health Visitor if you need to discuss any aspect of infant nutrition.