Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
  • Suitable for 12-42Months

Solid foods: expanding the range

By Raising Children Network
 
 

At around 12 months your baby will be able to eat chopped-up family foods, including meat.

You can also introduce cow’s milk, but try to keep this under 600 ml per day (less if she’s still breastfeeding or eating a lot of cheese or yoghurt). She can also have nut pastes and honey at around 12 months.

Getting your toddler to sit while eating and always watching her while she’s eating are the two most important things you can do to prevent choking. She’s more likely to choke if she’s running around.

Pieces of raw carrot and apple, fish or meat with small bones, and popcorn can be tricky for toddlers until they’ve got all their teeth - wait until your child is at least two and a half years old. Nuts and boiled lollies are a choking hazard until about five years old.

 
 
  • Last reviewed16-05-2006
  • References

    Congiu, M., Cassell, E., & Clapperton, A. (2005). Unintentional asphyxia (choking, suffocation and strangulation) in children aged 0-14 years. Hazard, 60.

    Department of Health and Aged Care. (1998). The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service.

    National Health and Medical Research Council (2003). Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service.