Lykkers, if you're a new parent, you've probably asked yourself: Is my baby eating the right things? You're definitely not alone—we all want our babies to grow up healthy, strong, and happy.

But with so much information out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

Don't worry—we're going to walk through everything together, step by step. From milk to solid foods, let's figure out how to give our little ones all the nutrition they need.

Why Nutrition Matters in the First Year

The first year of a baby's life is a golden window of growth. During these 12 months, our babies grow faster than at any other time in life. Proper nutrition during this stage helps support brain development, a strong immune system, and healthy weight gain. It also sets up good eating habits for later. So yes—what we feed our baby now really matters in the long run.

Start With Milk: Breastfeeding or Formula

For the first 6 months, our baby's main source of nutrition is either mother's milk or formula. Both can meet a baby's basic nutritional needs if given properly. mother's milk naturally contains a balance of protein, fat, vitamins, and antibodies. Formula, on the other hand, is carefully designed to mimic these nutrients and is a safe and healthy choice for many families. What matters most is making sure our baby is fed enough, consistently.

Introducing Solids: When and How

We usually start offering solids around 6 months—but every baby is different. Signs they're ready include being able to sit up with support, showing interest in food, and losing the tongue-thrust reflex. At first, it's not about eating large amounts; it's about getting used to textures, flavors, and chewing. Think of it as practice.

First Solid Foods to Try

Start with single-ingredient, soft-texture foods. Good beginner options include:

• Mashed avocado

• Plain rice cereal (iron-fortified)

• Steamed and mashed sweet potato or carrot

• Mashed banana or pear

These are easy on the tummy and packed with nutrients. Remember to wait 3–5 days before trying a new food so we can watch for any allergic reactions.

Iron: A Must-Have Nutrient

After 6 months, babies need more iron than milk alone can provide. We can start offering iron-rich foods like:

• Mashed tofu

• Iron-fortified cereals

• Pureed lentils or beans

• Mashed spinach or broccoli (well cooked)

Iron helps carry oxygen through the body and supports brain development—so it's definitely something we don't want to miss.

Balancing the Baby Plate

As babies get older (around 8 to 12 months), we can offer a wider variety of foods. Try to include:

• Grains: oatmeal, soft rice, or noodles

• Fruits: banana, peach, apple puree

• Vegetables: zucchini, pumpkin, green peas

• Protein: mashed beans, tofu, egg yolk (after 6 months)

Let's think in colors—offering a “rainbow” of foods means our baby is getting a mix of nutrients.

What About Allergens?

In the past, we were told to delay allergenic foods, but now experts say introducing common allergens (like peanut, egg, or fish) early—between 6–12 months—may help prevent allergies. Of course, always check with your doctor first, especially if there's a family history of allergies.

Keep an Eye on These

While we're exploring new foods, there are some things we should avoid for now:

• Honey (risk of botulism before age 1)

• Salt and added sugar (their kidneys and taste buds don't need them yet)

• Whole nuts or hard chunks (choking hazard)

Always mash, steam, or cut foods into soft, small pieces, and stay close while baby eats.

Making Mealtime Fun

Lykkers, feeding a baby doesn't have to be stressful. It can be a fun bonding time! Let them touch, smell, and even play with their food—it's all part of learning. Some days they'll eat a lot, and other days barely anything. That's totally normal. Trust your baby's cues.

Final Thoughts: Nutrition Is a Journey

Providing complete nutrition for our babies isn't about being perfect—it's about staying informed, being patient, and responding to our baby's needs. We're all learning together, one spoon at a time. The most important thing is that our baby feels safe, loved, and well-fed.

So Lykkers, what's your baby's favorite food right now? Or do you have a question about what to try next? Let's chat—we're all in this together.