Babies grow and develop quickly in their first year of life. To help give children a healthy start in life, here is information on:
- breastfeeding
- infant formula
- when, how and what foods to offer in the first year
- why active play matters
- healthy teeth and mouths.
Infant feeding
Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed babies. If breastfeeding is not possible, use an infant formula until baby turns one.
For information about infant feeding in emergency situations go to TasAlert website
Foods in the first year
How and what babies are fed is very important. The first year is when babies learn about how to eat and explore the taste of foods. Until around six months of age, breast milk (or an infant formula) is the only food or drink a baby needs. At around six months of age start to offer solid food. Keep breastfeeding (or use an infant formula). These resources can help guide you. Contact your child health nurse for individual advice.
- Signs your baby is ready to start solid food and first food ideas
- Variety and textures of foods for babies
- Food allergy
- First Food Recipes
- Finger Food Recipes
- Vegetarian Eating
- Vegan Eating
- Iron in foods
- Drinks for Babies
- Preventing choking - making foods safe to eat
For more information Start Them Right a parent's guide to eating for under 5s - how and what to feed your child from birth to five years for parents and carers.
Start Them Right digital version
For information about food allergy prevention 'Nip Allergies in the Bub'
Healthy Mouth Healthy Body - teeth and mouth care for babies.
Active play
Babies grow healthy and strong through movement and play. Babies can be encouraged to move from a very early time in their life through active play. For more ideas on active play for families:
Sleep
Safe sleeping advice from Red Nose Foundation
How much sleep advice.
For health, community and early childhood services staff
Move Well Eat Well Early Childhood program is a Tasmanian Government initiative promotes physical activity and healthy eating as a normal, positive part of every day in early childhood services.
Family Food Patch program trains and supports volunteer peer educators, to promote eating well and being active for families and communities.
Infant feeding in care services
- Safe handling of breast milk
- Safe handling of infant formula
- Tucker Talk handouts - resources on a range of food and nutrition topics for parents and carers
- Healthy Mouth Healthy Body - oral health resources
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Infant Feeding Guidelines - summary
Infant feeding in emergency situations
Go to TasAlert website
It is important to ask for the help you need
The information on this website is of a general nature. Please contact a health professional for individual advice.
Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS) Parenting 24 hour help line phone 1300 808 178
24 hour breastfeeding helpline (ABA) phone 1800 686 268
Medical Helpline - Healthdirect phone 1800 022 222
