Textures, serve sizes and food sources by age for paediatric patients

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Developmental and behavioural considerations for food provision.

Small or large serve sizes may not be possible for all food items, e.g. pre-packaged items.

0-6 months

Breastmilk or an age-appropriate infant formula is the main source of nutrition.
Breastfeeding offers immediate and long-term health outcomes for mother and infant and is to be actively promoted, protected, and supported by the NSW Health system.1-5
Introduction of first foods (referred to as solids) can start at around six months, but not before four months.6
Solids are introduced as single-ingredient, pureed food items.
Small serve sizes required.

7-12 months

Breastmilk or an age-appropriate infant formula is the main source of nutrition.
Solids contribute to their nutritional intake. Food should be suitable for age and stage of development.
Mixed textures are required. Infants commonly eat a variety of textures, starting with puree and progressing to mashed, cut up and finger food.
Frequency of solid meals and snacks eaten across the day increases by age. By age 12 months, 3 meals and 1-2 mid-meals are eaten in a day.
Small serve sizes required.

1-3 years

Breastfeeding can continue.1-5
Solids will be the largest contributor to nutritional intake. Textures have progressed to standard textures, or textures with small modifications, e.g. chopped. Finger foods are also required as they are important in the development of eating skills.
A broad range of foods and snacks contribute significantly to nutrient intake because of the wide variation in the amount of food eaten at different mealtimes.
Small serve sizes available.

4-8 years

A broad range of foods and snacks are needed to meet nutrient requirements.
No texture modification required.
A combination of small or standard serves.

9-18 years

A broad range of foods and snacks are needed to meet nutrient requirements.
No texture modification required.
Standard serve sizes.
Growth spurts may increase nutrient demands and appetite. Large serves available.

References

  1. National Health and Medical Research Council. Eat for Health Infant Feeding Guidelines Information for health workers. Canberra: NHMRC; 2012 [cited 15 Aug 2022].
  2. Australian Department of Health and Aged Care. Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy collection. Canberra: Australian Department of Health and Aged Care; 2022 [cited 15 Aug 2022].
  3. NSW Ministry of Health. Breastfeeding your baby. Sydney; NSW Ministry of Health; 2016 [cited 15 Aug 2022].
  4. NSW Ministry of Health. Breastfeeding in NSW - Promotion, Protection and Support (PD2018_034). Sydney: NSW Ministry of Health; 2018 [cited 15 Aug 2022].
  5. World Health Organization. Infant and young child feeding. WHO; 2021 [cited 15 Aug 2022].
  6. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. ASCIA Guidelines - Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention. Aus: ASCIA; 2020 [cited 7 Feb 2024]
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