Is there anything I need to consider if my child follows a special diet?

Special diets include a range of eating styles including vegetarian or vegan, avoiding foods due to allergies, or gluten or dairy free eating. They also include diets that are being followed under the advice of a medical professional, or styles of eating based on your cultural beliefs.

Speaking to an accredited practicing dietitian, a paediatrician or your child and family health nurse is the best way to ensure that your baby meets their nutrition requirements when following a special diet. This will help you and your child to:

• enjoy a wide variety of foods
• get the nutrients they need to grow and develop.

For more information on special diets see special diets for kids

My baby is constipated.  What should I do?

Constipation is when bowel movements are difficult to pass. They may be lumpy, dry or hard and occur less often than usual. Every baby has different bowel habits, and bowel motions often become more firm when you start to introduce solid foods.

For babies 6-12 months you can trial:

• offering fruit, vegetables, legumes and wholegrain breads and cereals each day. These foods are high in fibre which can help with constipation. Pear, kiwifruit or prunes may be particularly effective.
• offering extra cooled boiled water to increase the amount of fluids your baby is having.
• increase the amount of tummy time your baby does when awake.
• if baby is having infant formula, check that you are preparing formula as per instructions on the tin.

If you are worried about your baby’s bowel motions, speak to your child & family nurse, a dietitian or your doctor. Learn more about constipation on this fact sheet.

I'm a new mum looking for some ideas on easy foods to eat.  What are your suggestions?

Eating well is important for new parents. It can help with recovery from pregnancy, labour and delivery, support breastfeeding and provide you with the energy to care for yourself and your baby. It also allows you to start to role model food choices and eating to your baby.

Tips for eating well with a new baby:

• Keep hydrated! This is particularly important if you are breastfeeding
• Plan ahead and cook in bulk. Storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer means you have options on hand for days that you don’t get a chance to cook.
• Think about foods that you can eat with one hand. If you are nursing or caring for your baby, some foods you can eat easily can be very useful. Ideas include sandwiches, wraps, fruit, nuts, toasties and energy balls.
• Don’t start a diet. Stay away from fad diets or calorie counting. Focus on eating enough foods from each of the five food groups. Read more here about eating healthy during pregnancy.

Snack ideas include:

• fresh fruit
• dried fruit, nuts or seeds
• cracker biscuits with cheese or a spread such as peanut butter
• fruit bread, English muffins, pikelets, rice cakes
• plain fruit buns
• milk drinks, and fruit and milk blended smoothies
• plain or Greek yoghurt with fruit.

Raising Children Network has some more information about nutrition and breastfeeding.

Where can I find more information on feeding my 6-12 month old?

For answers to more frequently asked feeding questions for parents of 6-12 month olds, visit the PICNIC Project website. There are some great videos available from Small Bites for Big Steps and Growing Healthy Eaters as well.