Getting started
When to get started
Complementary feeding is a big change for your baby and they’ve got a lot to learn. It’s important to wait until you’ve noticed the signs that they’re ready for complementary feeding. There has been a lot of debate around the optimal age to introduce solids.
Current recommendations in Australia and New Zealand suggest that complementary foods should be introduced at around 6 months old. All children are different, however introducing complementary foods earlier then 4 months old is not recommended because your baby’s digestive system is still developing and is not yet able to properly cope with solids. If in doubt you can talk to your health care professional about your baby and when they are ready.
If you are concerned they seem to have a bigger appetite than usual, try our suggestions for what to do when your baby is still hungry after a milk feed. They may just be going through a growth spurt! But always remember to speak to your health care professional if you are unsure.
Nutrition
No single food can give your baby all the nutrients they need. Once they’ve started you can gradually begin to give them more variety to make sure they get a good balance of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that will help them grow up healthy and happy!
How to get started
Offer complementary foods after breast milk or infant formula.
To begin with, try your baby with a teaspoonful or two to ease them in gently. Then build this up gradually to around half a cup before moving to two or three solid meals a day. It’s a good idea not to try and introduce food to your baby when they are too hungry - as they will get frustrated.
Iron fortified Infant cereal (baby rice) is a great first food because you can make it with their usual milk (breast milk or Infant formula) for a familiar taste. This makes the transition easier and your baby will be more accepting of the unfamiliar feeling.
Then start with single ingredients such as vegetables and fruit. It’s important to introduce one ingredient at a time. This way if your baby has a reaction you can tell what foods you baby may be allergic to or cannot tolerate.
Try a new food every 3-4 days, remember it can take up to 10 tastes before your baby may like a new food- so don’t give up!
After 6 months it’s good to start to introduce well cooked puréed meat and chicken. Meat is an excellent source of iron that plays an important part in your child’s development.
Taste
You can introduce your baby to new tastes, such as pumpkin, carrot and other vegetables before moving onto meals. Remember just cook them as you normally would but without any added sugar or salt.
Texture
Purée foods should be a very smooth, thin consistency and are ideal for learning how to swallow solid foods.
Appropriate Foods
Blended fruit and vegetables like potato, sweet potato/kumara, pumpkin, carrots, avocado, courgettes (zucchini), apple, pear, banana, ripe mango, apricot and peaches (ensure skins and seeds are removed from fruit and raw fruits are soft). Ensure meat and chicken purées are well cooked.