Eating

What is typical?

Breastmilk is the preferred method of feeding babies. Infant formula is a suitable alternative that provides a baby with all of the nutrients that they need.

• Starting solids:
  • Most children are ready to start eating solid foods, as well as breastmilk or formula, by six months of age.
  • Iron and zinc are important nutrients that babies do not get enough of from breastmilk or formula alone. Babies are born with enough of these nutrients in their body to last them approximately six months. After this time, more nutrients are needed from foods.
  • Babies will start eating only very small amounts and may need some time to practice swallowing. Breastmilk or infant formula should still be the main source of nutrition. By 12 months of age, babies should be eating at least three small meals per day. Some babies will also need snacks in between.
• After 12 months old, most babies do not need to drink infant formula and can switch to drinking full-fat cows’ milk instead. Breastmilk can continue to be offered for as long as both parent and baby would like.
• Babies and children don’t need added sugar or salt. It is best to avoid processed and packaged foods. Babies should not eat any honey before their first birthday. Hard foods like whole nuts can be a choking hazard until your child is at least 3 years old.

What are the common concerns?

• If your baby is not showing interest in food by the time they are seven months old, check in with your General Practitioner (GP) or Maternal Child Health Nurse.
• Allergies:
  • Some children will develop allergies to certain foods. It is currently advised that common allergy foods are introduced from six months of age.
  • If your baby develops a rash or eczema, check with your care provider for further advice. If your baby has trouble breathing at any time, call 000.
• Overeating or undereating: It is up to a parent to provide healthy food to a child. It is up to the child to decide if they want to eat at that time. If a child is not hungry, they will usually make up for it in a future meal. If your child is growing and developing, they are most likely getting all of the nutrients they need.

What can I do?

• Feed baby when you are both calm and relaxed.
• Feed babies a diet high in iron and zinc when they start solids.
• Do not force or pressure your child to eat. Their appetite will vary each day.
• Introduce common allergens early, and continue to offer them regularly to decrease the risk of your child developing a food allergy.
• Offer your child a variety of nutritious foods and textures. Let your child decide if they want to eat and how much they want to eat.
• Keep healthy foods in your home and limit access to processed and packaged foods. Encourage healthy eating by showing your children that you can eat healthy foods too.
• Eat family meals together at the table, without distractions like TV.
• Learn baby first aid, particularly choking first aid.
• Use signs to communicate with your child about their needs when they haven’t got the verbal language – more, finished, drink.

Who can I speak to?

Speak to a general practitioner (GP) or Maternal and Child Health nurse if you have any concerns about your child’s eating or nutrition. They may refer you to a speech pathologist, occupational therapist, dietitian, or paediatrician if further investigation is required.