Food ideas & tools

Breastfeeding benefits

Breastmilk is a complete meal for your baby, ready whenever and wherever you and your baby are.

He kai kei aku ringa - resources

A fantastic new set of kai cards has been developed by Toi Tangata.

Breakfast on-the-run

Breakfast doesn’t have to be forgotten in the race to get out the door with these easy grab-and-go ideas:

Salt flavour replacements

Help keep your family healthy by using herbs and spices in cooking instead of salt. Pepper, basil, parsley, ginger or garlic all add lots of flavour to food.

Best breakfast cereals

Low-cost breakfast cereals are the best for your family. Choose wheat biscuits, puffed rice or rolled oats. These are low in sugar and full of goodness.

Water and milk are the best drinks for your family

Water is freely available from the tap and is the perfect drink when you are thirsty. Some ideas for making water more appealing to kids are:

Storing homemade baby foods: Helpful hints

Cool and cover any purée your baby does not need for this meal. Most baby foods can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator for 48 hours.

What should I give my baby to drink?

Best drinks for babies and toddlers are:

What are good first foods for my baby?

These include:

You've come to the best place for information about feeding your baby solid foods

For the first year, breast milk or infant formula is the most important food for your baby.

Breast milk is best

This is because breast milk:

Is my baby ready to start solid foods?

Your baby is ready to start solid foods if he or she:

Preparing homemade baby food: Helpful hints

Always wash and dry your hands before preparing your baby’s food.

How much should I feed my baby?

Here are the signs your baby has had enough to eat: