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These guidelines will help you choose healthy food for your baby and toddler.

• Breast milk is best.
• If you cannot breastfeed, use an infant formula until baby is 12 months old.
• Give babies and toddlers enough to drink.
• Start solids with one new food at a time.
• Change variety, texture and quantity as your baby grows.
• Healthy eating habits start early.

Start healthy eating habits from an early age

How much food should I offer my baby?

All babies have different individual needs.  Watch for signs of being full - some babies turn their head away.  As baby becomes more active, you need to offer small amounts of food often.

My toddler seems to eat less than she did as a baby.  Is that usual?

In their first year babies grow very quickly and they need a lot of food.  They don't grow quite so quickly in the second year, so some days they may eat a bit less.

We use low fat milk.  Is that OK for my toddler?

Toddlers should have whole milk until they are two years, then reduced fat milk can be introduced.  Children under 5 should not be given non fat milk.

My child won't eat vegetables.

Don't worry - it's very common, especially as toddlers get older.  Try offering raw vegetables or small pieces of fruit as an alternative.

Is it true that toddlers should not have wholegrain bread?

Babies and toddlers get all the fibre they need from vegetables, fruit and baby cereals.  White bread is better for a baby's young digestive system but by about 15 months try fine soft wholemeal breads.

Should baby have extra vitamins?

Babies and toddlers can get all the vitamins they need from food.  Offer vegetables and fruit often.  Extra vitamins are not recommended.

Can my baby have vegetables cooked for the family dinner?

Babies and toddlers do not need salt in their food.  If you use salt when you cook the family dinner, it will be best to cook the baby's vegetables separately.

My baby seems to like sweet foods best.

Healthy habits begin early and we can encourage children to like fresh plain foods.  Offer water instead of sweet drinks and don't add extra sugar or honey to fruit or breakfast cereals.

Why does my toddler need to eat iron-rich foods?

Iron is especially important to keep blood and brain cells healthy.  Iron helps children learn.  Lean meat, chicken and fish contain lots of iron, and vegetables and fruit help it to be well absorbed.  Don't give tea as it contains substances which stop iron from being absorbed.  Give toddlers small meals often, using lots of different foods.  Two cups of milk a day is plenty for toddlers.