Starting Solids

Baby food pouches provide similar nutrients to other foods, but frequent use may lead to higher sugar intake. To support healthy development, offer a variety of textured foods, include common allergens, and ensure your baby gets a balanced diet beyond pouches.

Labelled photos to give you some finger food ideas for your baby from 8 to 12 months.

Being food smart is Oscar Kightley's passion - clean, cook, chill and you'll be food smart too.

Some suggestions for first foods.

Let your baby decide how much they want.

See a list of helpful hints on food safety.

Some suggestions for meals and snacks from 8 to 12 months.

Start offering iron-rich foods as soon as your baby starts solids. Keep offering iron-rich foods daily to help prevent iron deficiency.

How to get started giving your baby solids.

Avoid giving pēpi (babies) small hard foods or whole foods.

Pēpi (babies) and tamariki (children) can choke on food at any age but those under 5 are at higher risk, and especially tamariki and pēpi under 3. Watch a video about ways to reduce the choking risk.

The best drink for pēpi (babies) from birth to 6 months is breastmilk (or formula, if breast milk is unavailable). From 7 to 12 months, breastmilk (or formula) and water are the best drinks for your baby.

By 8 or 9 months, you can start to offer your baby their solids before breastmilk or formula. By now your baby is probably having 3 to 4 meals a day, 1 to 2 snacks, and 2 to 3 breast (or formula) feeds.

Keep giving your baby breastmilk (or formula) before solids. Give more variety and texture as baby grows older.

Start with one food at a time, and add a new food every 2 to 4 days. Over time, increase how much and how often you give solid foods. Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons once a day, and slowly increase.

Safety's important when your baby is eating. Make sure your baby's well-secured in a high chair, or on your lap. Find out about foods that are more likely to cause choking.