Feeding

Changing from one formula to another with ease

Download the full brochure here Jane Barry is a registered nurse, midwife and credentialed children and young people’s nurse. Jane has provided some practical tips on managing a change in infant formulas, based on her clinical practice. There are a lot of different types of baby formulas. Most standard formulas are made from dried cow’s …

Common Feeding Problems

Download the full brochure here Introduction Despite good care and nourishment of your baby, you may sometimes be faced with feeding-related problems, such as constipation, colic, lactose intolerance, cow’s milk allergy or reflux. These issues can cause you a great deal of frustration and angst, but the good news is they can often be managed …

A Guide To Feeding Your Baby

Download the full brochure here Introduction Feeding is an important way to nurture your baby’s body and mind, so it is worthwhile learning how you can make the most of this special time Australian guidelines recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed until about 6 months of age. Once solids are introduced, breastfeeding should continue until …

Bowel Habits and Constipation

Download the full brochure here Bowel habits and constipation in babies Parents often wonder if their baby’s bowel habits are normal. It’s worth keeping in mind that each baby is different and they will develop their own bowel movement patterns. This brochure is designed to help you understand what the bowel does, how it works …

Eating Out and Toddler Mealtime Manners

Ever wondered how the spaghetti got on the ceiling? A toddler’s independent and curious behaviour at mealtimes can sometimes be a source of stress for parents. Start mealtime manners early It’s not uncommon for toddlers to express their new-found independence at mealtimes – with running around the room, wasting food and making a mess being …

Symptoms of Allergies and Irritants

Allergies and irritants can cause skin conditions, like eczema or hives. Here’s a guide to a few of the most common conditions and what you can do to manage them. Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) appears as dry, scaly skin or small red bumps that can become inflamed when scratched. A huge range of irritants …

Fussy Eaters

Tips For Fussy Eaters It is reasonable for your toddler to develop their own taste preferences so don’t expect them to like everything on offer. Give them a day or two before trying the same taste experience again, to see if they develop a renewed interest. Be aware of not letting your own preferences and …

5 Rules of Engagment

The 5 Rules of Engagement provide a few suggested changes that can mean that dinner time becomes a place of enjoyment and food discovery, rather than the nightly battle field. Rule 1: Timing Is Everything The timing of your little one’s meals is more important than you think. Little appetites may not last as long …

Weaning: 12 – 24 Months

What to expect during toddler weaning Now your baby is a toddler they may be ready for more than the small finger foods of Weaning Stage 3. Between 12 and 18 months, your toddler’s growth has slowed markedly from their first year. What this means is that their appetite may also reduce in size, which …

Trying New Foods

My toddler will try a new food most of the time. Yes: It’s great that your toddler is adventurous to try new foods and whilst they will still have their favourites, it is important to maintain the variety by offering new foods all the time. No: Just like their favourite pair of pyjamas or sleep …

How to Prepare a Bottle

Formula can provide all the nutrients your little one needs during the first 6 months of their life – but not everyone appreciates the importance of preparing formula correctly. Choosing the right formula to match the age and nutritional needs of your baby is important – but so is reading the label carefully, following the …

Sterilising

Why? Equipment that comes in to contact with breast milk or formula needs to be sterilised to help reduce the chance of your baby getting sick from germs. When? It is recommended to sterilise all bottle-feeding equipment until your baby is 12 months of age. All equipment should also be cleaned and sterilised as soon …

Winding or Burping Baby

Whether you refer to it as winding or burping your baby, knowing which techniques to use can help with settling your bub. Why? Air can fill your baby’s tummy during feeding or crying. This can make them feel uncomfortable. For some babies winding isn’t necessary, whereas other babies may even bring up some milk with …

How To Breastfeed

Like anything else, breastfeeding can take a bit of practice -so don’t worry if you and your baby don’t get the hang of it straight away. Getting comfortable It’s good to start each breastfeed in a position where you feel comfortable and relaxed. If you’re sitting. Keep your back straight, your lap almost flat and …

Toddlers Avoiding Food Groups

Setting Up a Healthy Balance Providing the right balance of energy and key nutrients is a high priority for mums with toddlers, with research showing that almost all mums (99%) think it’s important their toddler is getting a balanced diet with the right nutrients.’ Variety in a toddler’s diet is essential for healthy growth and …

Stage 1: From 6 Months – First Tastes

Starting solid foods is an important stage in your baby’s development, but there is more to it than just making sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need – it’s also about teaching them to accept and enjoy new foods and textures! First tastes At around 6 month of age you’ll start noticing signs that …

Stage 2: 7 – 9 Months

Continued Weaning Moving on to lumps and thicker textures is an important transition once a baby has become accustomed to eating and swallowing well pureed, smooth and soft foods. Although they may not have many or even any teeth, babies can still chew with their gums. Your baby’s nutritional needs should be met with a …

Stage 3: 10 – 12 Months

From first foods to first steps, your baby’s first 12 months are full of exciting milestones – including starting to bite and chew their way through family meal times! Weaning stage 3 The third stage of weaning is a time for exploration and independence. By their first birthday your baby will be ready to eat …

Storing and Reheating Foods

Here are a few simple – but important – steps to storing and reheating foods to help keep your growing baby’s food safe. Keeping food safe A baby’s immune system is still developing which means they’re more likely to become ill from food poisoning. In Australia, some of the main reasons babies and adults become …

Food Preparation

Processed Versus Homemade Foods Processed and homemade foods can both have a place in your baby’s diet. However, homemade food is preferable in place of package or processed food. While these need to meet stringent quality control standards for preparation, hygiene and nutrition and can be very convenient for busy parents and when away from …

Equipment for Weaning

Starting your baby on solid foods (also known as ‘weaning’) is an exciting time – but don’t feel you have to go out and buy all the different weaning products on the market. Here are some ideas to help you decide what you may actually need! Food for baby Homemade baby food – made from …

The Role of Milk During Weaning

Milk When Introducing Solids Breast milk or formula should still be your baby’s main source of nutrition until 12 months of age as the nutrients that the milk contains helps to support healthy growth and development Solid foods are ‘complementary foods’. They should complement rather than substitute feeds as the energy your baby gets from …

Vegetarian Weaning

Vegetarian parents may want their children to follow their diet. With some planning, babies can be successfully weaned onto a vegetarian diet that provides all the nutrients they need for growth and development. However strict vegan diets are not generally recommended for infants. Tips For Vegetarian Weaning To make sure your little one gets all …

Weaning Nutrition – Five Food Groups

When starting to introduce solids into your baby’s diet (also known as weaning), making healthy choices is important to give them the right start by including a range of foods from the five core food groups. From around 6 months of age, babies start to need more energy and nutrients than breast milk (or infant …

Nutrition – Vitamins and Minerals

When it’s time to start introducing your baby to solid foods it’s important to know which foods contain the essential vitamins and minerals they need for healthy growth and development. Introducing solid foods at around 6 months of age (also known as weaning), is important as it’s a time when your baby is beginning to …

Weaning Nutrition – Macronutrients

Macronutrients form an important part of your baby’s diet – supplying energy and many of the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Food provides the energy and building blocks for a healthy body and mind – and understanding the nutrient content of baby’s first foods is important so they can get the …

When to Start Weaning

When your baby is around 6 months old there comes a point when breast milk or infant formula alone just can’t provide all the nutrients and energy they need – and it’s time to start introducing solid foods to their diet. Moving onto solid food Weaning is a funny term and can be taken to …

What is Weaning?

Weaning can be a confusing term – for some people it’s the time when breastfeeding is reduced, while others use it to describe the point when solid foods are first introduced into baby’s diet. What is weaning? Generally, weaning is taken to mean the point at which solid foods are introduced to in to a …

Iron Deficiency

Did you know iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the world? Find out more about iron and how to make sure your little one is getting enough of this important mineral. What is iron and why is it important? Micronutrients (also known as vitamins and minerals) are only needed in small amounts …

Faltered Growth

What Is Faltered Growth? When a baby is no longer gaining weight and has plateaued They have experienced weight loss Their weight gain is slow causing them to fall 2 percentiles on their growth chart, in just a few months. The key measurement for monitoring faltered growth is weight gain over time. This is usually …

Reflux

What Is Reflux? Reflux describes when the contents of the stomach are brought back up, whether by vomiting or spilling up feeds It is usually caused by the valve between the oesophagus and stomach relaxing for a moment Reflux is common in infancy, with almost half of babies between 3-6 months experiencing it at some …

Colic

What Is Colic? Colic occurs when a healthy baby cries excessively, usually for 3 or more hours a day at least 3 days a week and for more than 3 weeks It is common, with around 1 in 3 babies experiencing this It usually occurs between the ages of 2 – 16 weeks and peaks …

Baby Stool Guide

The bowel motions of babies vary greatly. What is normal for one child isn’t necessarily normal for another. Below is some information to help you understand what normal bowel motions can look like for babies. First Motions The first bowel motion your newborn baby will pass is called meconium. This is a greenish black, sticky …

Baby Constipation: When to Worry and How to Help Your Baby Find Relief

When it comes to baby constipation, knowing when to worry is key. It’s all about knowing what’s normal and what’s not. Here’s how to help a constipated baby, and when it might be time to seek help. What is Baby Constipation? Constipation is when bowel motions (poos) become difficult to push out. Your baby may …

Diarrhoea

Your Baby’s Stools It is quite normal to see some variation in your baby’s stools. For example, there are differences in the colour of stools between breast fed and formula fed babies. How regular your baby is can also vary between several times a day to once a week depending on your baby. For more, …

Baby Food Allergy and Intolerance

Confused about the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance? Learn the difference between the two and some of their common food triggers. What are food allergies and intolerances? Most people are likely to know someone who has a food allergy or intolerance, but the terms can leave many people confused – particularly as …

Bottle-Feeding FAQs

What Are The Important Things To Remember When Making Up Feeds? Bottle-feeding depends on having a safe water supply, clean surroundings and arrangements for sterilising & storing feeding equipment. What Kind Of Water Should I Use To Make Up Formula Feeds? Tap water is the preferred type of water to use. This should be boiled …

Which Steriliser?

There are a number of different methods you can choose from to sterilise your baby’s feeding equipment. These include boiling, using chemicals or a microwave and electrical steaming. Below is some information and things for you to consider about each type. Sterilising By Boiling All you need is a large saucepan and tap water The …

Bottle-Feeding Equipment

Whether you are feeding your baby with infant formula or expressed breast milk, it’s important to make sure you have all of the right equipment. Here are some things to consider. What You Will Need: Your baby’s milk – infant formula or expressed breast milk Bottles with caps and discs Teats Knife, if formula feeding …

Storing Formula

Ideally infant formula should be prepared immediately before use. However, should you wish to prepare & store formula in advance, here are some things to observe: How To Store Infant Formula? You can either make up one bottle at a time, using the instructions on the can as a guide; or store freshly boiled water …

Mixed Feeding

What is mixed feeding for babies? This means feeding the baby with breastmilk for some of the time and giving the baby formula from a bottle or cup for the rest of the time. It’s also known as supplementing with formula. Why mixed feeding may be used Mixed feeding may be used for a number …

How Much Formula? How Often?

Not all babies are the same and appetites vary from baby to baby. Young babies may want to feed more frequently, whereas older babies may have less feeds yet drink more formula at one time. How Much Infant Formula? Look at the guide on the can. Remember, it’s normal for some babies to drink more …

What Is An Infant Formula?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. However in some situations breastfeeding is not possible for all mothers. Infant formula is the only recommended alternative for the first 12 months and will still help your baby to grow and develop well. Some mothers …

Choosing a Breast Pump

At some point, a mother who is breastfeeding may decide to express. There are many reasons for expressing. No matter your reason, the most confusing part is deciding which breast pump is best for you. Below is some information on the different options. Hand (Manual) Pumps There are many different manual breast pumps available, of …

Storing Expressed Milk

How To Store Expressed Milk Breast milk should be stored in sterile plastic containers or in small, sterile plastic bags specially designed for storing breast milk Containers should be labelled with the date when the milk was expressed so you can use the oldest breast milk first If you intend to freeze the milk only …

Expressing Breast Milk – Methods

Preparing To Express Milk Wash your hands and make sure any equipment needed is sterilised, such as a bottle, cup, pump Make sure you are relaxed and comfortable. Some women find it helpful to drink water, listen to music, disable the telephone, think about their baby or even look at a picture of their baby …

Expressing Breast Milk

Almost all breastfeeding mothers in Australia give their baby expressed breast milk at some point before they reach 6 months of age. Feeding your baby expressed breast milk is safe if done properly and it can be expressed by hand or by using a breast pump. For more, see Expressing Breast Milk – Methods. There …

Mastitis

What Is Mastitis? Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast, which can be caused by blocked milk ducts (non-infective mastitis) or bacterial infection (infective mastitis). What Can Cause Blocked Milk Ducts And Mastitis? Problems in breast feeding such as poor breast drainage and engorgement Wearing a bra that may be too tight The use of …

Breastfeeding Problems

Tender Nipples It is normal to feel sensitivity in your nipples as you get used to breastfeeding. Here are some tips to help you adjust: Check that your baby is positioned properly and is latched on correctly Dry your nipples carefully after feeding; leave a drop of milk on your nipples and allowing them to …

Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding is not always easy so it’s important to get the help and support you need. If you have any questions or worries about breastfeeding, you should contact your midwife or early child health nurse. Alternatively, you contact the following organisations: Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) The ABA breastfeeding helpline can provide reassurance and information on …

Breastfeeding FAQs

What Is The Let-down Reflex? The let-down reflex is a natural process that makes the milk flow towards the nipple Signs that your let-down reflex is working is when your baby is feeding with a rhythm and you can hear them swallowing. How Do I Know My Baby Is Getting Enough Breast Milk? Healthy babies …

How Often? How Long?

How Often Should I Breastfeed My Baby? Babies have feeding cues that let you know when they want to feed before they start crying. Here are some of the cues to look out for: Try to suck their hands Start waking up by wriggling & turning Become restless. Early Weeks Feed your baby as often, …

How Much is Enough?

Mothers may worry that their babies are not having enough milk when breastfeeding. Some signs your baby is getting enough milk include: Having at least 6 – 8 feeds a day Having 6 – 8 pale wet nappies each day Growing and gaining weight Being alert and content Having soft stools Settling after each feed …

Breastfeeding Positions

There are many breastfeeding positions. No matter which you use, the important part is to make sure your baby latches onto the breast correctly. For a demonstration, see our How to Breastfeed Video. The Cradle Hold This hold is best for babies who are able to latch on without difficulty. Hold the baby’s head in …

What To Limit Whilst Breastfeeding

There is no need to avoid any particular foods when breastfeeding. However, if you notice your baby is becoming upset when you eat a particular food, stop eating it for a few days before trying it again. This may include foods such as a curries or cabbage that can affect the flavour of your milk. …

Healthy Eating When Breastfeeding

When you are lactating, good nutrition is important for producing breast milk while at the same time helping maintain your own nutrient requirements. The information that follows will help you meet the specific nutrient requirements during lactation. Energy Your energy needs are greater during lactation because your body is producing breast milk. In general, breastfeeding …

Benefits Of Breast Milk

Breastfeeding may be the most natural way to feed your baby but it also provides lots of extra benefits for both you and your little one.  As your pregnancy progresses your breasts transform as they prepare for your baby’s birth  – readily to start producing milk that provides all the nutrition your baby needs in …

Breast Milk Production

Breast Milk Production During Pregnancy Breast milk production is inhibited while you are pregnant Prior to the birth of your child, your body starts to produce colostrum Colostrum is a thin, yellowish fluid full of anti-bodies for your newborn. It contains more protein, with less fat and milk sugars than mature breast milk Some women …