Should Canada Update Its Infant Feeding Guidelines?

Official title: Consultation: Draft Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants (0 to 6 months) guidelines

Closed Policy & Studies Health & Safety
Health Canada asked health professionals and organizations to review draft guidelines on feeding babies from birth to 6 months. The goal was to make sure the advice given to new parents is clear, complete, and based on the latest evidence. This consultation has now closed.

Why This Matters

New parent? These guidelines shape the advice you'll get from doctors and nurses about feeding your baby. They cover everything from breastfeeding to formula. Getting this right matters for your baby's health in those critical first months.

What Could Change

The final guidelines will set the standard for infant feeding advice across Canada. Health professionals, public health agencies, and Indigenous health services will use them to train staff and create resources for parents. Updated recommendations could change what doctors tell you about breastfeeding, formula, and introducing foods.

Key Issues

  • Are the draft guidelines clear enough for health professionals to use?
  • Are the recommendations complete and relevant for infant nutrition from birth to 6 months?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. Review the Revision of Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants page for updates on the final guidelines.

What Happened

The consultation ran from August 19 to October 27, 2025. Health Canada gathered feedback from health professionals, Indigenous organizations, governments, and other stakeholders. The input will be used to finalize the guidance document and related content.

Key Documents