Good feeding habits help to prevent tooth decay
Babies only need breast milk or infant formula for the first six months. Once your baby has finished feeding, remove the baby from the breast or bottle. Don’t put baby to bed with a bottle as this practice can cause tooth decay.
Start teaching your child to drink from a feeding cup from about 6 months of age. By around 12 months, they should be drinking only from a cup.
For children over 12 months, water is the main drink. Plain full-fat milk is also a healthy drink choice. Children can drink low-fat milk from two years of age. Fruit juice is not necessary or recommended for children under 12 months, because of its high sugar content and acidity.
Children can start to eat solid foods from around six months of age. Offer a wide range of nutritious foods with a variety of textures and flavours.
Also:
• Never dip dummies in sweet substances, such as honey, jam or sugar.
• Ask for sugar-free medicines if possible.
• Look in your child’s mouth regularly to spot early signs of decay.