Food and Eating for Every Life Stage
Pregnancy |
Choosing a variety of foods when you are pregnant has many benefits:
Visit Healthy Eating for a Healthy Baby for more information on eating in pregnancy. |
Birth to 6 months |
Breastmilk is the only food your baby needs for the first 6 months of their life. The longer you breastfeed, the more benefits you and your baby get. Learn more on our breastfeeding page. Vitamin D:
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6 months to one year |
You can start giving solid food when your baby is six months old and showing signs they are ready to eat. It is important to follow your baby's signs of readiness. Your baby is ready for solid foods when they:
Your baby's first foods should be iron-rich foods. For more information, visit this guide to feeding your baby. |
Toddlers 1-3 years |
Your child is learning how to eat and is starting to develop their own food preferences. You can help them by dividing up the feeding responsibilities. You decide:
Trust your child to decide:
Learn more about the role of the parent or caregiver and child in feeding here. Follow these tips when feeding your child:
Learn more in Eat Right Be Active: A guide for parents and caregivers of toddlers 12-36 months. If you are worried about your child’s eating habits, talk to a dietitian, to a public health nurse, or to your health care provider. |
Preschoolers 3-5 years |
Children grow and develop at different rates. Overall growth patterns are more important than height or weight at any one time. Help your child feel good by focusing on their strengths and abilities, instead of their appearance. Learn about feeding preschoolers in Eat Right Be Active: A guide for parents and caregivers of preschoolers ages 3-5. Learn about packing lunches for school in School Lunches Your Kids Will Munch. |
Children 6-8 years |
Learn about feeding young children in Eat Right Be Active: A guide for parents and caregivers of children ages 6-8. Learn about packing lunches for school in School Lunches Your Kids Will Munch. |