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.