Online learning: Introducing family foods

Baby sitting upright with a bib round their neck and holding a carrot in one hand whilst the other hand is holding another piece of food in their mouth.

This page has a series of online learning sessions that have been specifically created to support families learning about introducing family foods and solid foods. Please take your time to watch through each session.

Explore the topics on this page:

Session 1 - Understanding the Department of Health guidelines, signs of readiness and first foods

Session 2 - Family meals and foods and drinks to avoid

Session 3 - Introducing cups and toothbrushing

Session 1

It's important for your child to try to ensure your baby's journey with healthy foods gets off to a good start. Introducing your baby to solid foods (also known as family foods) is an exciting time.

This session will explore:

- The Department of Health guidelines
- understanding the signs of readiness
- first foods

Session 2

Your baby will be wanting to try lots of different foods with different textures. Do not try to force your baby to eat, babies learn to self-regulate their own stomachs.

This session will be exploring:

- family meals
- foods and drinks to avoid

Visit First Steps Nutrition for recipes.

Session 3

If your child is over 6 months old, their water does not need to be cold boiled water. As soon as your baby's first tooth shows, you will need to brush their teeth and gums.