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Introducing Complementary Foods

26 November 2024

  • They can sit with support
  • They hold their head up firmly
  • They show signs of curiosity and willingness to eat when food is brought close to their mouth
  • They bring their hands and objects close to their mouth
  • They show an ability to pass food from side to side in their mouth and to swallow
  • Their tongue protruding reflex disappears

Important

Important

How to introduce supplementary foods

We used to call them "solid foods", but today we call them "supplementary foods". Why? Because the foods we start offering to infants from six months’ age will supplement their nutrition alongside breastfeeding or infant formula. So how do we serve them to our infants for the first time? And what should you know before we begin?

  • 1
    Familiarization and experimentation

    The main purpose of exposure to food is familiarization with new flavors, textures and foods. We do not necessarily try to establish full meals. At this stage it is important to create a positive eating experience for your infant, the emphasis being on diversification and quality of food rather than the quantity they eat.

  • 2
    Patience

    The stage of exposure to new foods may take time. There is no need to hurry. Even if you have to serve your infant the same food or texture several times, it makes sense and is the right thing to do. Remember, we adults do not readily take up new flavors either, and some tastes are acquired. It requires further exposure and patience.

  • 3
    Food texture

    Today there are diverse approaches on the texture and form of food that may be offered to infants. When choosing to try out a certain approach, whether involving food ground into a smooth texture or soft or hard food that can be held in the hand, it is very important to take into account the infant’s willingness and the manner of feeding with which you will feel safe and relaxed.
    In general, the recommendation is to advance with the texture of food offered to infants according to their age and ability. If at 6 months’ age they are given pureed food, from 7 months it is recommended to switch to a coarser food texture, such as: soft fruits and vegetables mashed with a fork, grated hard fruits and vegetables, well-cooked orange lentils and the like. From 9 months’ age, if the infant is willing enough, you may offer soft or hard food in small pieces that may be picked up using the fingertips and which they can put into their mouth unassisted.

    Important information on the subject: safe feeding for preventing asphyxia, is waiting for you here

Foods that should be avoided

  • Until the age of one year, infants should not be given cow’s milk to drink

  • Until the age of one year, infants must not be given honey

Note

Note