Newborns and infants (0-12 months)

Watch this video about common breastfeeding difficulties and tips for overcoming them.

See a list of helpful hints on food safety.

Vitamin D helps our bodies use calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.

Some suggestions for meals and snacks from 8-12 months.

Questions and answers about healthy eating.

If your baby is choking, they may not be able to make any noise. For babies up to 1 year: If your baby is unconscious, do CPR. If your baby is conscious, find out what steps to follow.

It’s possible to have a healthy well-nourished infant or child who eats a vegetarian diet if care is taken.

Start offering iron-rich foods as soon as your baby starts solids. Keep offering iron-rich foods daily to help prevent iron deficiency.

How to get started giving your baby solids.

Hints and videos on making sure your baby is properly attached to your breast.

Find out more about why skin to skin contact between you and your baby is the best place for your baby to start life. 

Avoid giving pēpi (babies) small hard foods or whole foods.

Pēpi (babies) and tamariki (children) can choke on food at any age but those under 5 are at higher risk, and especially tamariki and pēpi under 3. Watch a video about ways to reduce the choking risk.

Your baby's age, how much they weigh, the time of day, their activity level and their rate of growth can all affect your baby's formula needs. The formula tin will list general guidelines.

Infant formula powder is not sterile. Handle and store prepared formula with care to keep it safe for baby.

Washing and sterilising of feeding equipment is very important. It is also very important to have clean hands when handling feeding equipment or preparing formula.