Dairy foods

Dairy products provide protein, vitamins and minerals and are the best source of calcium that is important for the formation of healthy bones and teeth. Yoghurt and fromage frais are good foods for babies, choose whole milk varieties rather than the low-fat variety as these are too low in calories for a growing baby.

Cheese is an excellent nutrient rich food for babies, choose mild hard pasteurised cheeses such as Cheddar or Edam. Cottage cheese and cream cheese are good too. Avoid soft cheeses like camembert or brie because of the risk of listeriosis.

Babies of this age should have 500-800ml (17-25 fl oz) of formula or breast milk each day up to the age of one year because cow’s milk doesn’t provide enough iron or vitamins for your baby’s development.  However, full fat cow’s milk can be used with your baby’s cereal or to make foods like cheese sauce or rice pudding.