Complementary feeding, also known as weaning, refers to the introduction of solid foods and other liquids into an infant’s diet alongside breast milk or formula. This process typically begins around six months of age when breast milk or formula alone is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of the growing infant. Complementary feeding is crucial for providing essential nutrients like iron and zinc that may be lacking in breast milk or formula alone, as well as for introducing a variety of tastes and textures to support the development of healthy eating habits. It’s important for caregivers to introduce a diverse range of nutritious foods gradually, while continuing to breastfeed or provide formula until at least 12 months of age and beyond if desired.
Complementary feeding includes the introduction of various types of food such as vegetables, fruits, grains and the gradual introduction of protein foods such as meat or fish. Introducing a variety of foods gradually allows your baby to become accustomed to a variety of foods and receive the additional nutrients needed for his growth and development.
At what age can complementary foods be introduced?
The introduction of complementary foods should be carried out gradually and taking into account the individual characteristics of the child. Parents usually start with small portions of food, introducing the child to new foods one at a time and monitoring the child’s reaction to them. It is also recommended that you consult with your doctor or pediatrician before starting complementary feeding to get recommendations and advice tailored to your baby’s specific needs and development.
| Age Range | Examples of Complementary Foods |
| 6-8 months | — Single-grain infant cereals (rice, oat, barley) |
| — Pureed fruits (e.g., applesauce, bananas) | |
| — Pureed vegetables (e.g., sweet potatoes, carrots) | |
| — Mashed or pureed legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas) | |
| — Pureed meats (e.g., chicken, beef) | |
| — Small amounts of plain yogurt or cheese (if tolerated) | |
| — Soft-cooked fruits or vegetables in small pieces | |
| — Iron-fortified infant cereals | |
| — Finger foods such as soft-cooked vegetables, small pieces of ripe fruit or well-cooked pasta | |
| 9-11 months | — Soft-cooked grains (e.g., quinoa, couscous) |
| — Soft-cooked eggs (well-cooked and mashed) | |
| — Finely chopped or mashed fruits and vegetables | |
| — Small amounts of finely chopped poultry or fish | |
| — Soft-cooked legumes (e.g., beans, lentils) | |
| — Cottage cheese or grated cheese | |
| — Finger foods like small pieces of soft-cooked vegetables, fruit slices, or teething biscuits | |
| 12 months + | — Minced or finely chopped meats, poultry, or fish |
| — Soft-cooked grains and pasta | |
| — Soft fruits like ripe mango, peach, or avocado | |
| — Cooked beans and lentils (mashed or whole) | |
| — Dairy products like whole milk, yogurt, or cheese | |
| — Soft-cooked vegetables cut into small pieces | |
| — Bite-sized pieces of bread or crackers |
Remember to introduce one new food at a time, waiting a few days before introducing another, to monitor for any signs of allergies or intolerances. Additionally, always ensure that foods are appropriately cooked, mashed, or cut into sizes appropriate for your child’s developmental stage and ability to chew and swallow safely.
What types of complementary foods are there?
Different types of complementary feeding represent a variety of methods and approaches to introducing food into a child’s diet. Here are some of them:
- Breastless or bottle feeding (BFF). This type of complementary feeding means that the baby does not receive breast milk, but is fed exclusively through formula feeding or other dairy products. In this case, complementary feeding begins with the introduction of infant formula and other types of food are gradually added.
- Artificial feeding. This type of complementary feeding means that the baby receives breast milk or formula and then gradually introduces solid foods. The introduction of complementary foods usually begins at about six months of age.
- Mixed feeding: In this case, the baby receives both breast milk or infant formula and solid foods at the same time. Parents can combine breastfeeding or bottle feeding with the introduction of complementary foods.
- Introduction of food using the “BLV” (Baby-Led Weaning) method. BLV is a method of introducing complementary foods in which the child independently controls the feeding process. Instead of cereals and purees, the child is offered pieces of food that he can hold and eat on his own. This method promotes the development of the child’s motor skills and his independence in choosing food.
It is important to note that each child is individual, and the choice of complementary feeding method may depend on the preferences of the parents, the recommendations of doctors and the needs of the child. In any case, it is important to introduce new foods gradually and carefully, monitor the child’s response, and provide a nutritious and safe diet.
How to choose the right complementary foods for your child?
Selecting complementary foods for a child requires attention to his individual needs, age and readiness for the introduction of food. Here are some recommendations that can help you choose the right complementary foods for your baby:
- Follow Doctors’ Recommendations. Contact your pediatrician or doctor who knows your baby’s health history for specific recommendations and guidance on introducing solid foods. Your doctor will take into account your baby’s physical development and nutritional needs, and can advise you about possible allergies or special needs.
- Watch for signs of baby’s readiness. The baby should be mature enough and ready to introduce solid foods. He should hold his head confidently, sit with support, and show interest in food, such as by watching you eat. This usually occurs around six months of age, but every baby is different.
- Start with simple foods. When introducing complementary foods, it is recommended to start with one food at a time. Usually these are vegetables, fruits or cereals. Choose low-fat, safe and easily digestible foods such as pumpkin, carrots, bananas or rice porridge.
- Introduce foods gradually. Give your child a new food over a period of several days to monitor for any allergic reaction or intolerance. If the child tolerates the product well, a new one can be introduced.
- Pay attention to your child’s reactions. Carefully observe your child’s reactions to new foods. If signs of an allergy appear (skin rash, itching, swollen lips, etc.), stop giving this product immediately and consult a doctor.
- Gradually increase variety. Once your child begins to accept different foods, vary them to provide varied nutrition and the development of his taste preferences.
Remember that every child is unique and the approach to introducing complementary foods may vary. It is important to listen to your baby’s needs and reactions, and to consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
How do you know when to stop breastfeeding?
Making the decision to stop breastfeeding is individual for each family. Here are a few factors that can help you determine when to stop breastfeeding:
- Age of the child. Breastfeeding is recommended as the exclusive nutrition for the child in the first 6 months of life. However, many international health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend continued breastfeeding as the main source of nutrition, along with the introduction of complementary feeding, until the age of 2 years or more.
- Baby’s development and needs. The baby may show signs of readiness to stop breastfeeding, such as interest in solid foods, ability to sit up independently, and ability to feed from a spoon. When a baby begins to actively and successfully consume complementary foods and receives sufficient nutrients from other sources, this may be a signal to gradually reduce breastfeeding.
- Maternal Health and Comfort. It is important to consider the physical and emotional health of the mother. If breastfeeding becomes physically or emotionally difficult, or if the mother has medical reasons that make breastfeeding impossible or undesirable, a decision may be made to stop.
- Consult with Experts. Doctors, pediatricians, lactation consultants, and other experts in child health and nutrition can provide you with advice and guidance based on the specific needs of your baby and your family.
It is important to remember that stopping breastfeeding is an individual decision for each mother and family. Listen to your instincts, discuss your concerns with medical professionals, and make the decision that is best for you and your baby.