Nutrition stages

Children should experience nutritious foods in stages, from breastfeeding, to the introduction of solids and family foods.

Breastfeeding (first 6 months for up to 2 years and beyond)

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients to babies in the first six months of their lives and can protect against infections and conditions such as obesity, asthma, diabetes and bowel disease later in life. Where a baby is not able to be breastfed, commercial formulas should be used instead. Organisations that can assist mothers with breastfeeding include the following:

• La Leche League International
• Australian Breastfeeding Association
• United States Breastfeeding Committee
• The Breastfeeding Network (UK)

Introduction of solids (6 months – 3 years of age)

The first foods offered should be iron-rich foods, followed by vegetables, first in a pureed consistency, then mashed and then progress to chopped. Foods to be avoided at this age include honey, nuts and other hard foods. Honey should be avoided until 12 months of age and hard foods should continue to be avoided until at least three years of age. Sugar sweetened drinks should also be avoided at this age. Full cream milk should be offered until the age of two. Reduced fat milk/alternatives can be offered from 2 years of age.

Conversation starter

• Are there any support organisations in your local community?
• How did you find out about them?
• What were your experiences like with support groups?