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Babies grow quickly in their first year, so they need plenty of energy (kilojoules) and nutrients. Your child’s growth isn't always steady and even, which means their appetite and hunger can be unpredictable. The amount of food eaten by your baby and their interest in food may vary from day to day. This is normal and shouldn't cause any concerns if your baby is growing well. Start solid foods around 6 monthsBy about 6 months, a baby’s iron stores are low and extra foods will be needed to maintain healthy growth and prevent nutritional problems (such as iron deficiency). Start to introduce solid foods (solids) around 6 months – when your baby shows an interest in food. Breast milk and formula is important for 12 monthsContinue to feed your baby breast milk or infant formula even when solids are being introduced. Breast milk is an important food for babies until at least 12 months of age (or longer if you and baby desire). If you are feeding your baby infant formula, this is important until 12 months. Signs your baby is ready for solidsBabies show signs when they are ready to try solid foods. These include:
Babies' physical changes at 4 to 6 monthsBabies’ organs and body grow and develop certain physical traits between 4 and 6 months. Certain changes occur to the:
Knowing when to introduce solidsHungry babies should be offered more breast or formula feeds until they are ready for solids. Some parents may be tempted to start solids early to help their baby grow, sleep or settle better. However, introducing solids too early may lead to problems such as:
Although you may find introducing solids tricky, don’t be put off by your first attempts or your baby’s lack of interest. You will eventually learn their cues and when they are ready. Starting solids too late may also lead to health problems such as:
Be guided by your baby and if you have any concerns, speak to a maternal and child health nurse or doctor. Victorian families can visit your local maternal and child health service to check baby’s health, learning and development at 10 key ages and stages. Nurses also provide information on childhood immunisation, sleep and settling and self-care. Signs your baby is not interested in solidsSigns that your baby is not interested in solids or is full may include:
What if my baby is not interested in solids?If your baby is not interested in solids during your first attempts, relax and try again in a few days. While most babies naturally spit food out when first given solids, they soon learn to accept foods if you continue. Eventually you will learn when your baby is hungry or full so you can enjoy mealtimes as a family. Remember, they are also picking up cues from you – this includes learning how to socialise and eating healthy foods. How to introduce solidsTry these simple tips when introducing solid foods to your baby:
Baby's first foodsFirst foods can be prepared easily and cheaply at home (without added salt, seasonings, and sweeteners). When starting out, foods should be mashed and smooth, but you can quickly move on to coarsely mashed foods and coarser textures. General suggestions include:
Food suggestions from 8 to 9 monthsWhile a baby’s first solids should be mashed and smooth, they soon need variety in textures and different types of food. Food suggestions for babies from 8 to 9 months include:
Stay with your baby when they are eating. Let them sit with the family to watch and learn. Around 9 months, your baby will develop other feeding skills. These include:
By the end of 12 months, your baby should be ready to eat a wide variety of family food. Safety suggestions when introducing cow's milkSuggestions include:
Allergies and vegetarian dietsExtra care may be required when introducing solids to babies where: Seek advice from your doctor, maternal and child health nurse or an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). Foods to avoid for children under 12 monthsSome foods are not suitable for babies under 12 months. These include:
Where to get help
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: Department of Health - Prevention and Population Health - Food and Nutrition This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: Department of Health - Prevention and Population Health - Food and Nutrition This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: Department of Health - Prevention and Population Health - Food and Nutrition
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