Baby formula is expensive, and a hungry baby can gobble up 30 or more ounces per day, costing parents as much as $3,000 per year, or more if their baby needs specialized formula.

Hiccups might seem like a troublesome condition -- particularly when they startle your baby and make him feel unsettled. However, a case of the hiccups is usually a harmless -- and painless -- digestive issue. There are a few triggers that can take place during feeding times that can bring on a case of the hiccups.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding infants until 12 months of age. However, not all mothers are physically able to breastfeed or choose to breastfeed their infant. In these cases, parents need to rely on another source of nutrition such as infant formula or whole milk.

For the first year of a baby's life, baby formula or breast milk should be the mainstay of her diet. Once your baby is six months old, she is ready for pureed baby foods.

The market has plenty of choices for infant formula: cow's-milk based formula, soy formula, organic or non-organic. Choosing the right formula for your baby requires communication with your pediatrician and a bit of trial and error.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your infant is at least six months old to begin introducing solid foods. Solid food, in terms of feeding infants, refers to food of greater consistency than milk.

Breastfeeding is encouraged for at least the first six months of a baby's life, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. But when you feel that it is time to wean from breast milk to formula, remember to take it slowly and allow time for adjustment.

While nearly all mothers have heard the benefits of breastfeeding babies, most babies will at some point consume infant formula, either as a sole source of nutrition, or as a supplement. Baby formula is, in many ways, very similar to breast milk.

Feeding your baby nothing but breast milk for the first six months can ensure that he receives beneficial nutrients to help protect him from digestive and respiratory illnesses, including colic, heart problems, kidney and ear infections, as well as tooth decay.

Sterilizing baby bottles, including nipples, nipple caps and rings, can help protect a baby’s health, according to the Ohio State University Department of Women & Infant Nursing. Because babies also put pacifiers in their mouths, the pacifiers need to be sterilized as well.

A baby is considered premature if he's born earlier than the 37th week of pregnancy. A preemie should be introduced to solid foods around four to six months after his expected due date -- rather than his actual date of birth, notes FamilyDoctor.org.

Proper nutrition plays an essential role in the development of your child’s cardiovascular system. Like adults, babies require adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, along with essential vitamins and minerals to develop properly.