Parents play a vital role in ensuring babies are properly nourished for growth and development. Sound nutrition can lay the foundation for a healthy life as well as optimise physical and mental well-being in childhood. This article discusses the best choices for babies in the first twelve months.

Breastmilk or formula provides optimal nutrition for babies until they are 6 months old. If you are a mum who chose to breastfeed, you may have heard your midwife describe breast milk as “liquid gold.” It is perfect for your baby, however long the feed may last.

Breast milk has everything a growing baby needs in exactly the right amounts and is easy to digest. The milk is different every single day and from hour to hour, changing to meet the unique needs of the mother’s particular baby. Amazingly, it also contains antibodies that can help protect a baby from infections and illnesses, including obesity in later life.

Although breastfeeding is highly recommended, it may not always be possible, suitable, or solely adequate. Infant formula is an artificially produced substitute for infant consumption. It attempts to mimic the nutritional composition of breast milk as closely as possible and is often based on cow’s milk or soy milk. A number of alternatives to cow’s milk-based formula also exist.

After six months, you can begin introducing solid foods to your baby's diet while still continuing to breastfeed or provide formula. It is essential to ensure that the solid foods you introduce are age-appropriate, safe, and nutritious. Many people still think of ‘weaning’ as the process of taking your baby off bottle-feeding, but it is really all about introducing solid food. It is sometimes called complementary feeding to reflect that solids should be introduced alongside, rather than instead of, breast milk or formula.

We wean because, after six months, babies need more nutrition than milk alone can provide. Whatever the source, one of the most important nutrients for babies is protein. Protein is necessary for growth and development, and it helps repair and build tissues in the body. Breastmilk and formula provide adequate amounts of protein for your baby's needs.

When you start introducing solid foods, you can include protein-rich foods such as pureed meat, poultry, fish, beans, and lentils. Plain roast chicken is easy on a baby's palate, as well as a great source of niacin for energy, selenium for healthy skin and heart tissues, and protein for growth. Prepare it by shredding, pureeing, or cutting it into tiny pieces. Unsalted meat may taste bland to you, but it is worth remembering that it will seem far more flavorful to your baby.

Whole-grain cereals, fruits, and vegetables are excellent sources of the carbohydrates your baby needs for energy, growth and development. Offer a wide selection of these foods to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. Remember that babies under a year old should not be given carbohydrates with added sugars.

Fat matters, especiall for the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. Breastmilk and formula contain the right fat percentages for your needs. You can introduce healthy fats such as avocado, pureed nut butter, and olive oil when your baby begins weaning.

Iron is a mineral that your body needs to produce oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Your baby gets some from breast milk, but may need it supplemented if they were premature or born at a low birth weight. Formula-fed babies may not need supplements. When complementary feeding begins, introduce iron-rich pureed meats, fish, beans, and lentils are essential for babies. Iron-fortified infant cereals are also an excellent source of iron, though try to avoid added sugars and mix in small amounts of fruit.

Your baby needs calcium to develop strong bones and teeth. Breastmilk and formula provide enough calcium for their needs. Introduce pureed tofu, yoghurt, cheese, and leafy green vegetables during weaning.

They need Vitamin D for calcium absorption and the development of strong bones. Breastmilk and formula provide some vitamin D, but your baby may also need a supplement. When you start introducing solids, include Vitamin D-fortified cereals and pureed fish.

Why is proper baby nutrition so important?

On Unii’s Baby Nutrition Journey, we explore the importance of baby’s first meals.