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Starting solids

Introducing solids to your baby can be an exciting milestone for both you and your little one. However, it’s sometimes a daunting task, especially for new parents.

Here’s a general guide to starting solids to help build your confidence as you begin this new phase.

When to introduce solids

When to introduce solids

Experts and the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines recommend introducing solids to your baby when they are around 6 months old.1,2

At this age, your baby’s digestive system is ready to handle solid foods. Your baby also has a greater need for specific nutrients that milk alone may not provide, such as iron.

Signs that your baby is ready for solid foods include:

  • Sitting up without head and back support
  • Showing an interest in the food the rest of the family is eating
  • Keen to explore textured foods without gag reflex reaction
  • Being able to pick up and put food in their mouth
  • Opening their mouth when you offer them a spoonful of food
When to introduce solids

Should you keep breastfeeding or formula feeding while introducing solids?

National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines advise you to continue breastfeeding or formula feeding your baby while introducing solids, until at least 12 months of age.1

Breast milk or formula should still be the main source of nutrition for your baby as you introduce solids. You can gradually reduce the amount of milk they consume as they start to eat a wider variety of solid foods. If formula feeding, follow the feeding guide on the can.

By the time your baby is 12 months old, they should be eating around three meals a day, in addition to breast milk or infant formula.3

Introducing water and cow’s milk

Introducing water and cow’s milk

Introducing water and cow’s milk

Once your baby is 6 months old, you can introduce small amounts of water, on top of their regular formula or breast milk. This is more for practice than for hydration. Offer your baby cooled, boiled water in a cup or sippy cup, rather than a bottle.3

Cow’s milk does not have the right blend of nutrients for babies under 12 months. It cannot be used as a replacement for breast milk or formula until your baby is 12 months.4

From around 8 months onward, you can include cow’s milk as an ingredient with some of the foods you prepare for your little one, and you can offer dairy products such a cheese or yoghurts.4

How to start incorporating solids into a baby’s feeding routine

Introduce solids to your baby gradually, one food at a time. This can help you discover possible food allergies. Start with foods that are rich in iron, such as iron-fortified rice cereal.

Here are some tips to get started:1,5

  • Start with a small amount of smooth food, such as a teaspoonful of rice cereal, and gradually increase the quantity as your baby gets used to eating solids.
  • Offer single-ingredient foods, such as finely mashed banana or sweet potato, to help you work out any possible food allergies.
  • Avoid adding salt, sugar, honey, or spices to your baby’s food.
  • As they adjust to eating solids, offer a variety of flavours and textures, such as mashed, pureed, small chunky and finger foods, to help develop their oral motor skills.

What if your baby has feeding problems?

Babies with feeding problems such as food allergies or lactose intolerance may have trouble tolerating certain solid foods. It’s possible these foods could further impact their condition.1

It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional about what kinds of foods work best for babies who have feeding problems.

feeding problems

Introducing food allergens

It’s always best to check with your healthcare professional before introducing foods that can cause an allergic reaction.

Allergy specialists recommend that you introduce food allergens from around 6 months (not before 4 months) and before 12 months of age. This may decrease the risk of your child developing an allergy to certain foods.5

Try introducing small amounts of food that might cause allergies — such as peanuts, eggs, soy and fish — one at a time. You can start by applying a small quantity on the inner lip to observe possible reactions to that specific food. It’s good to try the new solid foods during the day, rather than at night, so you can watch your child and respond if they have an allergic reaction.5

If your family and baby has a history of food allergies (such as cow’s milk protein allergy), you should be cautious when transitioning to solids and introducing new foods. Talk with your healthcare professional for more advice.

  1. Infant Feeding Guidelines: information for health workers. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Published 2012. Accessed Oct 2024. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/infant-feeding-guidelines-information-health-workers
  2. Infant and young child feeding. World Health Organization. Published 2021. Accessed Oct 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding
  3. Introducing solids: why, when, what & how. Raising Children Network. Published 2023. Accessed Oct 2024.https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding-solids/solids-drinks/introducing-solids
  4. Introducing solid foods for babies. Better Health Channel. Published 2021. Accessed Oct 2024. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/eating-tips-for-babies
  5. Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Published 2023. Accessed Oct 2024. https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/fast-facts/infant-feeding-and-allergy-prevention
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Welcome to NovaNutrition

Please take a moment to read this important message.

If you are able to breastfeed, breastfeeding is best for babies. Breastfeeding has many benefits, such as protecting your baby from infection while their immune system develops. It is important that you eat a healthy, balanced diet in preparation for and during breastfeeding.

Infant formula is designed to replace breast milk when an infant is not breastfed. Combining breast and bottle feeding in your baby’s first weeks of life may reduce your supply of breast milk and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using infant formula should be considered when choosing a method of feeding.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when preparing and using infant formula, including proper sterilisation of bottles and using boiled water. Improper use of an infant formula may make your baby ill.

We recommend that you consult your doctor, midwife, or health care professional for advice about feeding your baby.

Buy Androgel Online In Australia – What You Need To Know Before You Start. Visit Our Pharmacy ↓


Androgel Review: A Doctor’s Guide for Australian Men Over 30

Medical perspective by an Australian men’s health doctor. This article is educational and does not replace an individual consultation.

Attention: Is Low Testosterone Quietly Draining Your Edge?

If you are over 30, you may have been told that feeling exhausted, losing your sex drive, gaining belly fat, snapping at your partner, or losing strength at the gym are just “normal ageing.” In my practice, I see men every week who have normalised these symptoms for years. But when we run the right blood tests, many have clinically low testosterone.

Androgel is not a magic anti-ageing product. It is a prescription testosterone gel that can make a real difference when low testosterone is the cause of your symptoms.

Interest: What Is Androgel?

Androgel is a clear, alcohol-based testosterone gel approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for testosterone replacement therapy in men with confirmed low testosterone. It is absorbed through the skin and delivers bioidentical testosterone into your bloodstream. I often choose it because it avoids the liver, allows flexible daily dosing, and is simple for busy Australian men to use.

Common pain points in men over 30 and how Androgel may help
Pain point What Androgel treatment can do when low testosterone is confirmed
Constant fatigue despite decent sleep May improve energy and reduce tiredness
Reduced sex drive and erectile difficulties May restore libido and improve sexual function
Brain fog and poor concentration May improve focus and mental clarity
Loss of muscle and strength May help rebuild lean muscle when combined with resistance training
Increased belly fat May support healthier body composition over time
Irritability and low mood May improve mood and sense of wellbeing

Desire: Safe, Practical Use and What You Need to Know

Androgel and Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Androgel is not for every man. In Australia, I only prescribe it after two morning blood tests confirm low testosterone, and after prostate health has been checked. It is a genuine medical treatment, not a performance shortcut. For the right patient, TRT with Androgel can restore energy, sex drive, mood, bone density, and confidence.

Androgel and Testosterone Levels Monitoring

Monitoring is essential. I always schedule regular blood tests to ensure the dose is keeping you in the normal range without side effects.

Typical monitoring plan in Australia
Time Blood tests Goal
Before starting Total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, FBC, PSA Confirm diagnosis and baseline safety
2–4 weeks after starting or changing dose Morning total testosterone, haematocrit Mid-normal range; haematocrit below 54%
Every 6–12 months once stable Testosterone, haematocrit, PSA Maintain benefit and safety

Androgel Application Site Rotation

To reduce skin irritation and keep absorption consistent, rotate the application site daily. The approved areas are the shoulders, upper arms, and abdomen. Do not apply to the genitals, broken skin, or areas where someone else might frequently touch.

Simple weekly rotation example
Day Application site
Monday Left shoulder and upper arm
Tuesday Right shoulder and upper arm
Wednesday Left abdomen
Thursday Right abdomen
Friday Left upper arm
Saturday Right upper arm
Sunday Abdomen

Androgel and Clothing Contact

One of the most common questions I hear from Australian men is about clothing and transfer to partners or children. After applying Androgel, allow the gel to dry for 5–10 minutes before dressing. Wear a shirt that covers the application site. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after use. If close skin contact is expected, wash the application site with soap and water first to reduce transfer risk. This is especially important for women and children, as testosterone exposure can cause harm.

Androgel Missed Dose Instructions

If you forget your daily application, do not panic. The guidance I give my patients is:

What to do if you miss a dose
Scenario Action
You remember on the same day Apply the missed dose as soon as possible
It is close to your next scheduled dose Skip the missed dose and continue as normal the next morning
You accidentally apply too much Wash the area and contact your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222

Never double the dose to catch up.

Androgel and St John’s Wort

St John’s Wort, a common herbal supplement for mood, can interfere with how your body processes testosterone. It may speed up the breakdown of Androgel and lower your testosterone levels, making treatment less effective. I strongly advise telling your doctor if you take St John’s Wort or any other herbal product. In many cases, I recommend avoiding it while on Androgel or monitoring your levels more closely.

Androgel Allergy Patch and Skin Reactions

If you have a known allergy to testosterone or any ingredient in the gel, you should not use Androgel. If you have a history of sensitive skin or contact dermatitis, your doctor may suggest a small supervised test application on a small area of forearm before starting regular treatment. Watch for redness, itching, swelling, or blistering. A mild skin reaction at the application site can sometimes settle with rotation, but a widespread rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing is an emergency—stop the gel and seek urgent medical help.

Androgel and Chest Pain

Chest pain should never be ignored. It is not an expected side effect of Androgel, but testosterone treatment can raise red blood cell count and may increase cardiovascular risk in some men. If you develop chest pain, tightness, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, sudden shortness of breath, or palpitations while using Androgel, stop the gel and call Triple Zero (000) immediately. This is why regular monitoring of haematocrit and blood pressure is essential during TRT.

Action: Take the Next Step

You do not have to accept feeling flat, foggy, or exhausted as “just getting older.” If you are over 30 and recognise the symptoms in this article, book an appointment with a men’s health GP. Ask for a thorough assessment of your testosterone levels and overall health. If confirmed low, Androgel may be a safe and effective option for you.

Androgel is a prescription-only medicine in Australia, so you cannot buy it over the counter. But once prescribed, it is easy to use at home and can help you reclaim your energy, libido, strength, and confidence.

Speak to your doctor today and ask: “Could Androgel be right for me?”



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