Infant nutrition is advice and medical support on feeding during the first year of life: breastfeeding, formula feeding, the introduction of solid foods at around 6 months, and supplements such as vitamin D. It is provided by paediatricians, lactation consultants and paediatric dietitians.
The goal is steady growth along the baby's own centile line and a relaxed feeding relationship. Advice has to be repeated and adapted as the baby develops week by week, so one consultation can guide you but cannot replace regular local follow-up.
Conditions this service looks after
- Breastfeeding difficulties: painful latch, low supply, mastitis, tongue-tie
- Slow weight gain or faltering growth
- Reflux and frequent vomiting
- Suspected cow's milk protein allergy
- Colic and excessive crying
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Feeding premature babies after discharge
- Iron deficiency in late infancy
- Refusal of solids or textured food
Tests you may be offered
- Growth measurement: Weight, length and head circumference plotted on WHO charts over time; the single most useful tool.
- Feeding observation: A lactation consultant or dietitian watches a breast or bottle feed to assess attachment and technique.
- Blood count, ferritin and vitamin D: Requested when pallor, poor growth or risk factors are present.
- Allergy assessment: A supervised elimination and reintroduction of cow's milk; skin prick or IgE tests for immediate-type reactions.
- Stool and urine tests: Look for infection or malabsorption when growth is poor.
Treatments available
- Breastfeeding support: Positioning, supply advice, expressing plans and safe treatment of mastitis.
- Formula selection: Standard first infant formula suits most babies. Extensively hydrolysed or amino acid formulas are for confirmed milk allergy only.
- Complementary feeding plan: Starting solids at around 6 months, iron-rich foods first, varied textures and early introduction of peanut and egg in line with allergy guidance.
- Vitamin D and iron supplementation: Vitamin D drops from birth for breastfed babies; iron where deficiency is shown.
- Reflux management: Feeding changes and reassurance first; medicines only for clear complications.
- Dietitian-led catch-up feeding: Energy-dense plans for babies with faltering growth.
When to ask for a specialist opinion
- Your baby has not regained birth weight by 2 to 3 weeks or is dropping across centile lines
- Feeds are consistently distressing, very long or very short
- Blood or mucus in stools, eczema and vomiting together suggest milk allergy
- Fewer than 5 to 6 wet nappies a day, a sunken soft spot or unusual sleepiness: seek urgent care locally
- You feel unsure about starting solids or choosing a formula
Travelling to Türkiye for this care
Do not travel for this. Feeding problems are solved through frequent brief contacts with a health visitor, midwife, paediatrician or lactation consultant near home, and a baby who is feeding poorly should not be on a long flight. If you are already in Istanbul with your baby, a paediatric or dietitian appointment can provide a growth check and a written feeding plan, and video consultations can help with follow-up questions.
Send your reports, scans and a short history and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.
الأسئلة المتكررة
When should solids start?
At around 6 months, when the baby can sit with support, hold the head steady and bring food to the mouth. Not before 4 months.
Is follow-on or toddler formula necessary?
No. First infant formula is suitable for the whole first year, and ordinary cow's milk can be the main drink from 12 months.
Should I avoid allergenic foods?
No. Introducing well-cooked egg and smooth peanut products from around 6 months lowers allergy risk. Babies with severe eczema should be assessed first.
Can babies have honey or cow's milk as a drink?
Not before 12 months: honey because of infant botulism, cow's milk as a main drink because it is low in iron.