Moving On

7- 9 months
Infants develop the ability to chew early on even if they have no teeth. This skill is developed further with the introduction of lumpier, thicker foods.
Different food textures should be encouraged. Foods can be diced, cubed or mashed.
When the child is ready, encourage them to hold their food and try some finger foods (eg breadsticks and rusks)

Your baby's milk intake should still be 500 to 600 millilitres (one pint) per day.

9-12 months (not a vegetarian diet)
Your baby is probably becoming increasingly active and mobile, and you may need to increase the amount of food you give. Your baby should be eating three pureed meals per day, plus milk, as well as fruit and healthy snacks in between meals. Make sure your baby’s diet includes full-fat dairy products (eg yoghurt, fromage frais and cheese) – they need it for growth and strength.

9-12 months (a vegetarian or vegan diet)
There should be no problems with a vegetarian diet containing milk and eggs.
Ensure good iron intakes by continuing formula until at least a year of age in bottle fed babies. Non meat sources of iron include baby cereals and adult breakfast cereals, green vegetables, pulses and bread.
Vegan diets tend to be high in fibre and low in fat and are associated with slow weight gain in children.
The only acceptable formula milk in a vegan diet is Farley’s soya.
Sometimes a vegan diet may not contain enough calories and therefore vegetable oil or vegan margarine should be added to meals (energy dense weaning). Vitamin drops are strongly recommended.
Make sure there's plenty of fruit and vegetables at mealtimes as vitamin C helps to absorb iron. Give milk, diluted fruit juice or water at mealtimes.

12 months onwards
You can now start to give your baby full-fat cow’s milk as the main drink (not semi-skimmed or skimmed milk). Aim to give around 350 millilitres (12 ounces) a day. Children should now be eating a variety of food from the four main food groups:

• Bread, cereals, rice, pasta and potatoes
• Fruit and vegetables
• Milk and dairy
• Meat, fish chicken and eggs

By the age of 12 months of age, regular homemade family meals can be offered with small snacks in-between. At this time continue to offer a variety of foods to help avoid fussy eating later on.
Processed, convenience foods should be discouraged due to the high salt content although using lightly salted home made food is acceptable e.g. potatoes salted while cooking. Parents should also be encouraged to keep sugar intake to a minimum.

Children over the age of five
Continue to follow general healthy eating guidelines – again eating a variety of food from the four main food groups,

• Bread, cereals, rice, pasta and potatoes
• Fruit and vegetables
• Milk and dairy
• Meat, fish and alternatives whilst keeping fat and sugar to a minimum.