by BabyCenter Featured Expert posted in Parenting

Dr. Tanya Altmann, pediatrician and author of What to Feed Your Baby, is an expert on baby and early child nutrition. At her own practice, Dr. Tanya helps new parents overcome the stress of first feedings and get babies started on a lifelong healthy eating journey. But just for you, Dr. Tanya is sharing some of the questions she hears most frequently about first foods and nutrition.

Q: Should I be giving my baby regular dairy" I know calcium is important.
A: This can come as a surprise to parents because breast milk is such a great source of nutrients, but babies under 12 months should not have cow?s milk. Their bodies aren?t yet able to process the protein and it doesn?t have the right amount of nutrients for their little bodies until babies are at least age 1. However, there is another great dairy option -- yogurt! Yogurt is safe for babies as young as six months and you?ll find that infants love yogurt. Plus, yogurt has calcium, vitamin D, and protein -- just what your baby needs! Q: I?m still breastfeeding but want to introduce other foods. Where should I start"
A: Introducing your baby to solids is an exciting time, but it can be stressful. There are so many options -- where do you start" To make it simple, I?ve come up with a list of foundation foods that are nutritious, safe for babies, and will help them develop healthy eating habits. My foundation foods include eggs, prunes, avocados, yogurt, fis...