| AGE | BABY FOOD TIPS |
| 0-5 months | Breast milk or infant formula provide all the nutrients and energy a baby needs at this age. The World Health Organisation and the Department of Health both recommend that "to achieve optimal growth, development and health, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life." Around six months of age your baby will need other nutrients in his diet, especially iron, but it is up to parents to decide precisely when it's best to start weaning. |
| 5-9 months | Introduce some simple solid foods into baby's diet, such as rice or baby cereal, mixed with breast or formula milk. After this, try some pureed fruits and vegetables such as carrots, bananas and apples. Introduce one new food every few days to allow the baby's system to adjust, and watch for any unusual reactions. Never add salt, sugar, honey or other kinds of sweeteners to your baby's food. |
| 9-12 months | Start offering your baby a wider range of foods to get him used to the different consistencies, aromas and tastes of everyday family food. See if he likes bread, pasta, oats or even couscous. Rather than purees, try offering mashed or minced foods, deliberately including some lumps! Your baby can now digest fish, eggs and some dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese. Citrus fruits and finger foods are also great for baby at this age. |
