Your baby needs many different food groups for a balanced, healthy diet. These food groups are:



•carbohydrates

•proteins

•fats

•vitamins and minerals.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the group that provides essential energy. It gives your baby immediate energy and helps to keep him or her active and healthy. In the first few months of your baby’s life, all your baby’s energy needs will be provided by lactose, a carbohydrate found in breast milk or infant formula.

Once your baby moves onto solids and reduces their dependence on breast milk or formula, their source of complex carbohydrates will be derived from starches such as pasta, bread, potatoes, cereals and rice. Fruits such as apples, bananas, and grapes and vegetables such as carrots, peas and sweet potatoes all contain carbohydrates. If your baby enjoys a variety of these foods he or she will get all the carbohydrates they require for rapid growth and an active day.

Carbohydrates are also present in sugary foods, such as lollies, biscuits, jams, chocolate, soft drinks and cordials. Beware of these options! They are extremely high in refined sugars, have no nutritional value, cause tooth decay, can lead to a craving for sugar and possibly obesity. Please steer clear of all of the above!!

Protein

Protein is the main material that the body needs for growth development and also keeps the body in a good state of repair. Babies need more protein than adults due to the fast growth of the basic body tissues such as the brain, muscles, blood and skin, particularly in their first few years.

Animal protein is obtained from meat, fish, eggs and dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt. Vegetable protein is obtained from cereals, nuts, lentils, pasta rice and root vegetables.

Fibre

Fibre is another food group your baby needs, as it encourages good digestion and keeps us regular! Fibre or roughage is found in fruits and vegetables, wholemeal and wholegrain breads and cereals and nuts.

Fats

Fats are another important group to include in your baby's diet. Smaller amounts of fat is needed compared to the other food groups, however, they are an important part of your baby’s diet as they are a source of essential fatty acids and vitamins. The fat stored by the body will protect your baby from heat loss. There are many different kinds of fats, such as saturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. Saturated fats come from animals, while polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are found in avocados, which is one of the first solid foods your baby will probably eat.

Vitamins and minerals

Your baby requires many vitamins and minerals for healthy development. In summary, a varied, healthy diet will provide your baby with all the vitamins and minerals they need.

Minerals such as calcium, essential for healthy bones and teeth, is found in dairy products and leafy green vegetables. Iron is found in commercially prepared rice cereal, red meat and some green vegetables.

Salt or sodium is found in vegetables, fluoride is provided by our water supply and magnesium is found in cabbage and potatoes. Phosphorous is found in breast milk and formula, whilst potassium, essential for maintaining water balance and muscle and nerve activity, is found in bananas, a great favourite of many babies (and their mums).

Your baby requires many vitamins, especially vitamins C and A. Vitamin C is found particularly in citrus fruits, whilst vitamin A is found in yellow, green and orange fruits and vegetables.