You’ll likely feed your baby with breast milk or formula alone until they begin complementary feeding at around six months. Your baby’s specific nutritional needs should inspire the solid food choices you introduce. This article covers these, as well as your child’s recommended daily nutrient intake from birth to 12 months.

Breast milk or formula provides for your baby’s nutritional needs for the first six months of life. After six months, babies can start to eat solid foods while continuing to breastfeed or formula-feed. When introducing solid foods, it's important to ensure that they are nutrient-rich and age-appropriate. Leave a few days between introducing foods to identify any food allergies or intolerances your baby may have. You may also find it helpful to keep a food diary.

Protein helps repair and grow tissues in the body. Babies need about 9 grammes per day for the first six months of life and about 11 grammes per day from six to 12 months. This food group includes meat, fish, eggs, beans, and pulses. Beyond providing protein, these foods contain other useful nutrients, such as iron and zinc.

Carbohydrates provide energy for growth and development. Babies need about 60 grammes of carbohydrates per day for the first six months of life and about 95 grammes per day from six to 12 months. Good sources of carbohydrates for babies include whole-grain cereals (though remember to avoid added sugars), fruits, and vegetables.

Your baby needs fat (about 31 grammes of fat per day for the first six months of life and about 30 grammes per day from six to 12 months), especially for their developing brain and nervous system. Breastmilk and formula provide adequate amounts for the first six months. The kind of fat you introduce really matters. Offer healthy fats through avocado, pureed nut butter, and vegetable oils.

Iron is critical for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Babies need about 0.27 milligrammes of iron per day for the first six months of life and about 11 milligrammes per day from six to 12 months. Iron-rich foods such as pureed meats, poultry, fish, beans, and lentils are essential for babies aged 6–12 months. Iron-fortified infant cereals are also an excellent source of iron.

Babies need calcium (210 milligrammes per day for the early months and about 270 milligrammes per day from six to 12 months) for healthy bones and teeth. Breastmilk and formula provide adequate amounts for the first six months. When introducing solid foods, include finely chopped tofu and leafy green vegetables. Slowly introduce small amounts of safe dairy products (e.g., yoghurt and cheeses that do not carry a listeria risk) for even more calcium.

The amount of vitamin D babies get from breastmilk and formula may need supplementation. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and the development of strong bones. Babies who have more than 500 mL of infant formula milk per day should not be given vitamin supplements. This is because formula is usually fortified with vitamins A, C, and D and other nutrients. Introducing vitamin D-fortified cereals (with no added sugars) and pureed fish can also provide a little extra vitamin D. Alway speak to a doctor before starting an infant on a new supplement.

It's important to note that every baby is unique and may have different nutritional needs. Some babies may need more or less of certain nutrients depending on factors such as their size, activity level, and overall health.

Never underestimate the impact of where your baby eats. Creating a relaxed atmosphere during mealtime and avoiding pressure or forced feeding will promote healthy associations with food. Speak warmly to your baby about meals, and keep them close while you eat your own food. Respond kindly to their sounds and words to build trust, and remember, this is a wonderful time you won’t have again. We hope you enjoy every minute.

Nutritional Needs and Requirements

From Unii’s Baby Nutrition Journey, these are the needs and requirements for babies up to a year old.