Breastfeeding the children is the most important and beneficial way to nourish and bond with them. It provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that help protect infants from illnesses and promote healthy development. Breast milk is easily digested and perfectly tailored to meet a baby's nutritional needs. Additionally, breastfeeding has been shown to have long-term health benefits for both the child and the mother. It can reduce the risk of various diseases and conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Breastfeeding also promotes emotional bonding between mother and child, and can contribute to a positive mental and emotional well-being for both. It is a natural and convenient way to provide nourishment to infants, as breast milk is always available and at the perfect temperature. Overall, breastfeeding is a crucial and beneficial practice that supports the growth and development of infants while also promoting the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Birth to 6 Months

Child should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months except in some medical condition. The infant should not be given food, water or other liquid. Infants can receive vitamins and minerals supplement or medicine in the form of drop or syrup. If needed, Oral rehydration solution can be provided (Health Canada, 2015).

Pasteurized human milk from appropriately screened donors and commercial infant formula are suitable alternatives in case breastfeed not available (Health Canada, 2015).

Infants should not be left alone when bottler-fed due to choking risk. Infant formula should be used within 2 hours from the start of a feeding and any leftovers should be discarded. Powdered Formula should be prepared using boiled water (use cold water from tap) (Health Canada, 2015).

Food should only be introduced few weeks before or just after the six months of age.

•  Clean kitchen surfaces and wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water (Health Canada, 2015)
•  Thoroughly wash bottles, nipples, caps, tongs, measuring cups or other containers (Health Canada, 2015)
•  Sterilize the washed equipment by boiling in an open pot of clean water for two minutes and allow to air dry and cool (Health Canada, 2015)
•  Avoid cross-contamination from other foods prepared in the kitchen (Health Canada, 2015)

At the child care center mother should be feel welcomed to breastfeed their child with proper and comfortable place to feed (Gonzalez-Mena & Eyer, 2012, p.54).

6 to 24 Months

Breast feeding can be continued for up to two years or longer with appropriate complementary feeding. Cow milk should be delayed until ninth month to 12 months. Under the age of 12 months, honey should not be given to avoid botulism (Health Canada, 2015).

First complementary food of a child should be iron rich. Nutritious food with a combination of protein food, meat and alternative, fruit, vegetables and whole grain should be offered several times in a day (3 meals time and 2-3 snack time usually). Soft finger food can be offered to encourage self-feeding (Health Canada, 2015)

Foods with choking hazard should be avoided. Food like meat, egg, fish, etc. should be cooked well. Raw and un-cooked food should be avoided. Supervision of children is required while they are eating. Staff should have first aid training and capable of handling situation like choking. Safe food handling as recommended by Alberta Health Services and Government of Alberta should be followed (Health Canada, 2015).

Child-size utensils are provided to promote self-help skills.