Nutritional Needs for Your Baby's Growth Stages

Introduction

Ensuring your baby receives the proper nutrition at each stage of their development is crucial. Here's a guide to help you navigate the food requirements from birth to two years old.

0 to 6 Months

For the first six months, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding. Breast milk provides all the essential nutrients needed for your baby's growth and development during this period. It's important for you to maintain a healthy diet as your nutrient intake directly affects the quality of your breast milk. If necessary, continue taking vitamin supplements to support your baby's needs.

6 to 12 Months

At around six months, your baby's digestive system matures, and their iron stores start depleting. This is an ideal time to introduce pureed or soft foods into their diet. Offer a variety of pureed vegetables, fruits, and grains to expose them to different flavors and textures early on. Foods like chickpeas, lentils, avocados, and leafy greens are excellent choices. Ensuring sufficient iron intake is vital for brain and muscle development. Vitamin D supplements are also recommended from six months onwards to support bone health.

12 to 18 Months

Iron and Vitamin D remain crucial as your baby transitions into toddlerhood. Aim to include at least one iron-rich food in their daily diet and pair it with Vitamin C-rich foods to enhance iron absorption. Continue Vitamin D supplements to support calcium and phosphorus absorption for proper bone development. Toddlers aged 1 to 3 years should consume at least 7 mcg of Vitamin D daily.

18 to 24 Months

By this stage, your toddler is likely comfortable eating a wide variety of solid foods. Maintain a well-balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods paired with Vitamin C to ensure proper absorption. Continuing Vitamin D supplements is also beneficial for sustained bone health. Complementary breastfeeding can continue up to three years or as long as it suits both mother and child.

Did you know: Vitamin B₆ given during pregnancy can reduce severe nausea and vomiting.¹

How to Introduce New Foods To Your Baby:

Follow these tips to help your baby develop a love for various flavors and tastes:

• Choose the Right Time: Introduce new foods when your baby is happy and relaxed.
• Avoid Hunger: Don’t introduce new foods when your baby is hungry, as they may become frustrated and inconsolable.
• Time it Well: Avoid offering new foods immediately after a milk feed. Wait for some time and offer new foods between milk feeds.
• Start Small: Offer small amounts of new food and gradually increase the quantity.
• Make it Fun: Create a colorful plate with different shapes to make food more appealing.
• Lead by Example: Eat with your baby, as they are likely to follow your lead.
• Mix it Up: Introduce more than one new food at a meal and pair it with something they already like.
• Vary Preparations: Try cooking the same food in different ways—mashed, fried, and roasted potatoes all taste different.
• Diverse Diet: Offer different types of food throughout the day to keep your baby interested and prevent boredom.
• Family Meals: You and your partner should eat with the baby. Family meals encourage more effective eating habits as your baby feels more comfortable eating with you by their side.