Key Nutrition: Getting your little one started with the right food

1. Wholemeal bread, pastas and brown rice

Containing carbohydrates, they give your child energy for his or her endless adventures¹. Cooked pasta, with or without tomato sauce, is a hit with most kids.

2. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains

Fruits and veggies are rich in fibre, which have the important role of moving bulk through your little one’s digestive tract². Introduce more fibre into your little one’s diet by pureeing fruit and serving it as a sweet treat.

3. Fish, poultry and leafy vegetables

Fish, poultry and veggies are rich in iron, an important component in our blood that helps to transport oxygen throughout our bodies⁹. Cut leafy vegetables into tiny pieces and mix them with a carbohydrate like sweet potato to make it more appealing.

4. Oatmeal, bananas and baked beans

Serve these foods to provide your little one with magnesium. This nutrient helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function⁴. Little ones love mashed banana, which is also quick and easy to prepare.

5. Potatoes, bananas and tomatoes

These yummy foods contain potassium, which controls the body’s water balance while supporting the nervous system and muscle functions⁵. Puree some prunes and serve it on its own, with oatmeal or applesauce.
 

6. Lean meat, cheese, yoghurt and eggs

Protein-rich foods will help your little one build bones and muscle mass¹⁰ while keeping your little one’s child’s development on track. Give your child a sugar-free yoghurt that contains live cultures.

8. Carrots, broccoli and papayas

All these foods contain vitamin A, which promotes the growth of healthy cells and tissues in the body⁶, including those in our hair, skin and nails. Cut broccoli into little ‘trees’ and steam till soft before offering them to your baby.

9. Wholemeal bread, fish and eggs

Abundant with vitamin B, these foods can help form red blood cells that transport oxygen to every part of your baby’s body and maintain the central nervous system in our bodies⁷. If your little one is six months or older, you can puree a boiled or scrambled egg and serve.

10. Oranges, mangoes and kiwis
This trio contains vitamin C, which helps produce collagen and maintain good bones, blood vessels, gums, skin and teeth⁷. Serving kiwi fruit is easy — simply slice in half and serve your baby by the spoonful.

11. Yoghurt, fish and fortified milk

They are naturally rich in vitamin D¹⁰, which helps the body absorb the amount of calcium it needs. Add pureed fruit to unsweetened yoghurt to make it more palatable for your baby.

12. Kiwis, Mangoes and Peanut Butter

Kiwis, mangoes and peanut butter are all great sources of vitamin E, which helps protect body’s cells and tissues from damage⁷. Freeze some pureed mango and treat your little one to a delicious sorbet.

13. Green Peas, Carrots and Broccoli

These foods naturally contain Vitamin K, which It helps with blood clotting and maintaining healthy bones.⁷ Mix all three, puree them and warm up on the stove to make a thick, nutritious soup for your child.

14. Milk, cheese and fish

Milk, cheese and brown rice all contain zinc, which helps build strong bones and joints, and maintains a healthy appetite⁸. You’ll also find zinc in lean meat and fish. When introducing cheese to your little one, you can puree cottage cheese and mix it with fruit.