Fish

The importance of fish in your baby's diet cannot be overemphasized and it can be introduced at six months. We now know that the healthy fats (EFAs) contained in fish encourage growth as well as the development of your baby's brain, nervous system, and vision.

Fish is very quick and easy to cook; begin with mildly flavoured white fish mixed with a favourite vegetable puree or a cheese sauce. Introduce fish fillets like plaice, cod or salmon, which combine well with mashed potato or a home-made cheese sauce. Always check carefully to make sure there are no bones before serving fish to your baby.

You can also offer pieces of cooked fish, such as tuna, as finger food and oily fish, such as salmon. Aim for at least two servings a week. It's best to avoid swordfish, shark and marlin because they may contain unhealthy levels of mercury.