In this paper, a new approximate analytical algorithm namely multistage optimal homotopy asymptotic method (MOHAM) is presented for the first time to obtain approximate analytical solutions for linear, nonlinear and system of initial value problems (IVPs). This algorithm depends on the standard optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM), in which it is treated as an algorithm in a sequence of subinterval. The main advantage of this study is to obtain continuous approximate analytical solutions for a long time span. Numerical examples are tested to highlight the important features of the new algorithm. Comparison of the MOHAM results, standard OHAM, available exact solution and the fourth-order Runge Kutta (RK4) reveale that this algorithm is effective, simple and more impressive than the standard OHAM for solving IVPs.Keywords: Optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM), multistage optimal homotopy asymptotic method (MOHAM), initial value problems, series solution, Mathematica 9. 2010 MSC: 65M10, 78A48.