Nutrition Tips for Baby’s First Year: A Month-by-Month Guide for Parents

Your baby’s first year is a time of rapid growth—both physically and mentally. Proper nutrition during this stage lays the foundation for healthy development, strong immunity, and lifelong eating habits. Whether you’re a first-time parent or just need a refresher, here’s a simple guide to help you nourish your baby step-by-step.

0–6 Months: Breast Milk or Formula Only

• Main source of nutrition: Breast milk or infant formula.
• Feeding frequency: Every 2–4 hours (on demand).
• Tips:
  
• No water, juice, or solid food is needed.
• If using formula, choose one that meets Australian standards.
• Look for signs of hunger: sucking on hands, rooting, or fussiness.
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6–8 Months: Start Solids Alongside Milk

• What to introduce: Iron-rich foods first—like fortified cereals, pureed meats, lentils, and mashed veggies.
• Texture: Smooth and soft (pureed or mashed).
• Milk still matters: Breast milk/formula remains the primary source of calories.
• Tips:
  
• Introduce one food at a time to watch for allergies.
• Offer allergenic foods like egg, peanut butter, and dairy early (with guidance).
• Encourage baby to self-feed with soft spoons or food bottles like Subo.

  
  

  8–10 Months: More Variety & Finger Foods

  
  

  
  

  • Foods to offer: Grains, soft fruits, cooked pasta, cheese, tofu, eggs, and yogurt.
  • Texture: Soft lumps and bite-sized pieces.
  • Feeding tools: Use suction bowls, baby forks, and open cups.
  • Tips:
    
  • Introduce multiple food groups at each meal.
  • Let your baby explore flavors—even if they make a mess!
    

  
  

  10–12 Months: Family Food & Independent Eating

  
  

  
  

  • What to focus on: A mix of textures and family-style meals in baby portions.
  • Foods to include: Everything you eat—cut smaller and made baby-safe.
  • Tips:
    
  • Encourage self-feeding and cup drinking.
  • Avoid honey, whole nuts, and choking hazards.
  • Watch salt and sugar—keep meals simple and natural.
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  Quick Nutritional Tips for the Whole Year:

  
  

  
  

  • Iron matters: After 6 months, iron-rich foods are essential.
  • Hydration: Offer sips of water from 6 months in an open cup.
  • Healthy fats: Avocado, nut butters (thinly spread), and olive oil support brain development.
  • Limit processed snacks: Focus on whole foods like fruit, boiled eggs, and soft veggie sticks.
  • Allergens early: Introduce allergy-prone foods under supervision to help tolerance.

  
  

  Helpful Tools for Feeding Success:

  
  

  
  

  • Feeding bottles: Subo or Cherub Baby glass bottles.
  • Feeding sets: b.box bowls, spoons, and bibs or EzPz feeding sets.
  • Snacks: Organic soft snacks from holle or Tiny Turtle for older babies.

   

  Final Note: Every baby develops at their own pace. Trust your instincts, be patient, and consult a pediatrician or dietitian if you have concerns about allergies, growth, or feeding struggles.