Baby

Baby

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.

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 copy 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

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

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