Baby’s Evolving Needs

Introducing solid foods to your baby is a lot of fun as they adjust to new tastes and textures. Check out this essential list for introducing baby’s first food.

In Australia, almost all mums intend to breastfeed. While breastfeeding is a natural way of feeding, it isn’t always easy. The most important advice is to seek professional help if you’re experiencing difficulties and find a good support network early on.

Starting complementary feeding is an exciting (and messy) time! Here are our top tips on how and when to start baby food.

Help your six to nine-month-old set up healthy eating patterns by offering a wide variety of flavours and textures now.

Now that your baby is 8 to 10 months old, has enjoyed first tastes, and is becoming more experienced at eating, it’s time to move on to lumpy foods and helping them learn to feed themselves.

Focus on your baby’s nutrition by offering smart 'mini meals' in between traditional mealtimes. Focus on age appropriate texture and nutrient rich options.

Most formula fed babies will be very happy on the baby formula you first choose. However, it’s important to know that not all formulas suit all babies. Below is a list of common feeding problems some babies may experience, however in most cases you will find these aren’t really cause for concern. If your baby experiences any severe feeding problems after consuming baby formula, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, you should seek the advice of your doctor or health care nurse immediately.

Perhaps one of your most important jobs as a parent is to be a good role model for your baby, particularly when it comes to healthy eating. But just how much of an impact does what you eat and drink now have on your little one’s future? 

A recent nationwide nutrition survey showed that 75% of infants aged 6-12 months were not consuming enough iron. Learn more about why this is so significant and how you can boost your baby’s iron intake.

After baby has started on solid foods, start experimenting with soft lumps and bumpy foods. The lumps help your baby to develop chewing skills and develop tongue strength which can assist with speech development.

Most babies start solid foods at around 6 months. Baby-led weaning, where your baby feeds themself finger foods, is a way to help them discover new flavours and textures at their own pace.

You never get a minute to yourself, yet you’ve never felt lonelier? Yes, that’s the paradox of lonely parents. While you’re likely smitten with your newborn, there’s a certain kind of loneliness in parenthood that can come with being at home with a baby, day in, day out.

YOU are still your baby’s best toy. Your baby will love people talking to them and making faces with them. Read and sing to your baby and let them lie on your tummy to play and gently rumble. You will notice in the second half of their first year, their physical activity and abilities really step up a gear!

If there’s one feeling that unites mums and dads all around the world in the rollercoaster of parenting emotions, it’s guilt—and most commonly it’s a mother’s guilt. Let’s break the silence on parent guilt and other common feelings.

Taking care of a newborn baby is a full-time job which requires dedication from you and your family. So, if you’re a working mum and you’re planning on returning from maternity leave to go back to work, you can only imagine how much that’s going to test your organisational skills!