Key Messages For When Your Baby Is Starting Solids

On this website you can find out about the signs your baby is ready to try solid foods; best foods to start with and how to prepare them; tips on making this special time easier; how to make baby food at home; the signs your baby is full and had enough to eat; recipe ideas for the next steps. The information has been checked by experts and follows Ministry of Health recommendations about infant feeding.

Food information for babies and toddlers from birth to 2 years old.

Check Plunket's website for information about which foods to introduce when, and what consistency they should be; the difference between gagging and choking, and what to do if pēpi chokes; common food allergies, and how to tell if pēpi is allergic to something.

From 12 months, the recommendation from the Ministry of Health is that your child eat 3 meals a day plus snacks in between, from a variety of foods. See more information about feeding your child from 12 months.

Parent information and health record for babies and children, 0 to 5 years.

You can check boys' and girls' growth charts for each age group (0 to 5 years).

The content in the infant nutrition section of the KidsHealth website is based on 'Healthy eating guidelines for NZ babies and toddlers (0–2 years old)'. These guidelines (September 2021) provide updated population-health recommendations for feeding children who are under 2 years of age, to promote healthy growth and development and help establish healthy eating behaviours.