Good nutrition in the first two years shapes a child’s growth, immunity and even school performance later on. The good news: feeding your baby well is simpler — and cheaper — than the shelves of branded baby products suggest.
0–6 months: breast milk is enough. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months — no water, porridge or other foods needed, even in hot weather. Breast milk provides complete nutrition plus antibodies that protect your baby from infection. If breastfeeding is painful or supply feels low, ask for help early; most problems are fixable with the right support.
Around 6 months: first tastes. Start with soft, mashed single foods — enriched uji, mashed potato or sweet potato, avocado, banana, well-cooked egg. Begin with a few spoonfuls once or twice a day and build up. Keep breastfeeding alongside solids well into the second year.
7–12 months: build variety. Gradually add mashed beans and ndengu, finely shredded chicken or fish, dark green vegetables and fruit. Aim for thicker textures and soft finger foods as your baby learns to chew. Iron-rich foods matter a lot at this age — anaemia is common and preventable.
Toddlers and fussy eating. Appetite naturally dips after the first birthday, and food refusal is normal, not naughty. Offer small portions of family food three times a day plus two snacks, keep mealtimes calm, and let your child decide how much to eat. It can take ten or more tries before a new food is accepted — keep offering without pressure.
If your child’s growth curve is flattening, mealtimes are a daily battle, or you have questions about allergies, our paediatric nutrition clinic offers assessment and a practical feeding plan tailored to your family.