The First Six Months

• Start breast-feeding as soon as possible after birth and continue as long as you wish. Breast-feeding has proven to be beneficial for babies even if it is only for a short time.
• Use a commercially prepared, iron-fortified infant formula until 4-6 months of age as a second choice if breast-feeding is not chosen, or is discontinued. You can continue to give follow-on milk formula from 4-6 months till 12-18 months.
• Semi-solids should not be introduced earlier than 4 months of age. Take these 2 months as a learning time for your baby. Eating semi-solids should be established by 6 months.
• To detect for any food allergies, introduce solid foods one at a time. If the type of food is tolerated well, then you can begin to mix the food.
• Iron may need to be supplemented by about the fourth to the sixth month. Iron-fortified infant formula/cereal (rice) along with age-appropriate solid foods and juices should be given for more balanced nutrition.

The Second Six Months

• Do continue to breastfeed or formula feed. Full cream cow's milk may be given from the second year of life.
• Try to introduce scraped, strained, pureed or mashed foods, either homemade or commercially prepared.
• Textured and chunkier foods that are soft and which will not choke the baby are preferred. Textured foods are good for babies as they get a little older and begin to develop teeth. Teething is an important stage in your child's development. Chewing is an acquired skill - if children do not have the opportunity to learn how to chew, they may have trouble later in accepting all but pureed foods.
• To increase the source of protein in addition to that of breast milk or formula, add strained meats, fish, poultry, beancurd, egg white, and yoghurt to baby's diet. This will support the fast rate of growth.
• A wide variety of foods should be gently introduced, such as milk products; grain products; meat and alternatives; and fruit and vegetables.
• Feed your baby more textured foods when teething begins. It is a good idea to bring your baby to see the dentist who will talk to you about caring for your baby's teeth.
• Do not force your baby to eat more than he/she wants. Give the semi-solid foods/meal before the milk. As he grows older, let him feed himself and never mind the mess. In fact, you should allow him to handle his own foods.
• You should not add salt or sugar to any baby food.
• You should not give a bottle containing milk, formula, juice or sugary fluid at naptime or near bedtime. Give fruit juices only during mealtimes. Avoid dipping pacifiers or nipples in sugar, honey or syrup.

Always supervise your baby when he is eating to make sure he does not choke on the food. Be mindful that an allergic reaction can occur when introducing a new food to baby. Giving moderate amounts of a variety of foods is a good principle for feeding infants. Remember to visit your paediatrician, or family doctor regularly to make sure your baby is growing properly. All babies must be immunized.

After Year One

• Keep healthy snacks at home such as whole meal crackers, fruits, plain biscuits, or yoghurt as your child may need to eat frequently to keep up with the energy levels.
• Do encourage your child to feed himself. However, do supervise and ensure that the foods chosen are not hard, small and round or sticky enough to cause choking.
• Avoid introducing foods that are high in salt and sugar to your child.
• Do not overly restrict fat in the diet of your infant or child, as fat is required for the high metabolism of your child. Low fat or skimmed milk should be introduced only from 6 years of age.
• Be patient if your child is a picky eater. Do not take it personally. There are some techniques for encouraging poor eaters to change their ways. Try to avoid showing your distress if your child does not seem to be hungry. If your child is not a big eater, make sure that the quality of the food you are serving meets all nutritional needs.
• Keep meal times friendly by letting your child be a part of the family meals. Let your child be involved in food preparation to foster greater interest in the foods he eats.
• Set good examples by choosing healthier foods for yourself and the rest of the family.
• Remember not to use food as a reward or punishment. This can cause conflict between you and the child. It may also create bad eating habits.

Additional Tips

• A warm social setting with family and friends usually encourages your child's enjoyment of food.
• Always supervise your young child to prevent accidents. Protect your child from choking on unsafe foods. Make sure your child sits upright while eating, and not lying down, walking, running or being distracted from the task of eating.
• Discourage eating and watching TV at the same time.
• Make sure your child has a good source of iron such as iron-fortified toddler cereals, lean meats, liver, fish, and egg yolk.
• Older infants and toddlers with small appetites often get turned off by large amounts of food on a plate. Try giving your child servings of a few spoonfuls at a time.
• Some parents are very distressed by the eating patterns of their children. This can add to the stress of having to "perform" for the parents. Do try to be patient, especially when they refuse particular types of vegetables or other foods. Always seek for alternatives that are just as nourishing. If he still refuses, leave a break of at least a week before giving it to him again.
• To interest your child in retrying a disliked food, try adding a favorite food to it.
• When your picky eater is old enough, you can let her help you select foods at the supermarket and help prepare food at home. Participation will enhance the level of interest in the food he eats.