Formula Feeding Your Baby
While breastfeeding is recommended by Health Canada as the best choice for the first six months and up to 2 years and beyond, for some families, breastfeeding isn’t an option. If you are thinking of formula feeding your baby, it’s important to make an informed choice about what’s best for you and your baby.
Timiskaming Health Unit public health nurses can answer any questions you may have and help you make the choice that works best for your family.
If you choose to formula feed, check out Infant Formula: what you need to know to learn how to safely prepare, store and feed your baby formula.
Information for families on the limited supply of infant formula
Since 2022, parents have been experiencing limited availability of infant formula in Canada due to market disruptions. Currently, regular infant formula powders have been more challenging to find.
To help address the issue, Health Canada is temporarily allowing imported infant formula from other countries to be sold in retail stores and pharmacies. New regular infant formulas are now appearing in stores and pharmacies, with more expected in May 2023. While these imported brands may be unfamiliar, they are safe for infants and meet Canadian quality and manufacturing standards.
If you cannot find your usual brand, you can safely switch to another brand using Health Canada's guidance - Limited supply of infant formula, April 2023.
For more information on imported products, check: Products imported for consumers (Health Canada)
For more information:
Breastfeeding
Starting Your Baby on Solid Foods
Child & Family Health
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