Nutritional Requirements: 6-12 Months

Nutritional Requirements: 6-12 Months

Introduction of Solid Foods

  • From 6 months onwards, babies are generally ready to start eating solid foods alongside their usual breast milk or formula.
  • This is a crucial period known as weaning, which means gradually introducing a baby to adult food.
  • Begin with small amounts of pureed food and gradually increase the portion size as the baby gets used to eating solids.

Fruits and Vegetables

  • It is important to introduce a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals.
  • These can be cooked and pureed or mashed to a suitable consistency.
  • Try to include a rainbow of different coloured fruits and vegetables to ensure a mix of nutrients.

Protein Sources

  • Babies need protein for growth and development. Sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, lentils, beans, and tofu.
  • Introduce these in small, manageable amounts, ensuring they are cooked thoroughly and are suitably mashed or pureed.

Dairy Intake

  • Dairy products like cheese and yoghurt can be introduced from 6 months onwards, but cow’s milk should not replace breastmilk or formula as the main drink until the age of one.
  • Full-fat dairy products provide needed energy, vitamins, and aid in absorption of calcium, important for growing bones.

Grains and Cereals

  • Foods such as rice, pasta, mashed potato, porridge, and baby rice cereal can be started from 6 months.
  • They provide energy, fibre and are a source of many important nutrients including B vitamins and iron.

Hydration

  • Continue to provide breastmilk or formula for hydration and nutrition.
  • Small sips of water can also be introduced with meals.

Avoided Foods

  • Foods high in salt or sugar should be avoided to prevent an early preference for unhealthy foods.
  • Potential allergenic foods such as eggs, gluten, fish, and nuts should be introduced one at a time to monitor any allergic reactions.
  • Honey should be avoided in the first year due to a risk of botulism.

Balanced Diet

  • It’s crucial to offer a balanced diet which includes a variety of different foods to ensure the baby is getting a wide range of nutrients.
  • A baby’s diet should be varied and balanced to provide the essential nutrients needed for growth and development.

Remember

  • Every baby is different and may take longer than others to get used to solid foods. It’s important to be patient and to persevere.
  • Food is new to babies so let them touch, smell, and explore it as well as tasting it.
  • Always supervise meal times to avoid the risk of choking.