Complementary Feeding For Babies: Here Is Your Guide!

Breastfeeding is considered to be the most cost effective way for reducing childhood morbidity such as obesity and gastroenteritis. It is considered to be beneficial for both the mother and child. It provides all necessary vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antibodies that your young one needs for overall development and thrives in her for the initial 6 months. When breastmilk becomes insufficient in meeting the nutritional diet of your little one, then complementary food is introduced. This transition from breastfeeding to adding solids to your young one’s diet is referred to as complementary feeding. It starts after your baby turns 6 months old. It is a vulnerable period, as this time contributes to the initiation of malnutrition among children.

With time, your child needs the right food, in the right quantity and at the right time to grow and develop to her full potentials. It doesn’t define weaning off the breastmilk but complementary food is generally started in addition to the breastmilk, generally you should alternate the solid diet with breastfeeding. Introducing solid food to your baby is the biggest and most challenging milestone, as it helps in developing healthy eating habits in your baby that would last for life long. 

Complementary feeding for babies: What shows that your baby is ready for solid food?

Your baby will start portraying few signs, indicating that, “Mommy, I’m ready for the journey of solids”. Mostly, your baby starts with solids between the ages of 4 to 6 months. Few signs are:

1. When your baby has doubled her birth weight, when she is 4 months old.

2. When you feel that your baby has increased the intake of breastmilk or formula.

3. When your baby begins to stay awake more often at night than usual.

4. When your baby loses the reflexes to push the food out of her mouth.

5. When she practices and learns to sit upright.

6. When you find your baby coming up with chewing motions.

7. When your baby starts showing curiosity in your food.

Read on: Continue breastmilk even after starting solid foods

Complementary feeding for babies: Introducing solid foods to your baby

Soon, you would find your baby is ready for solid meals. Your child is new to this world of food so you should be cautious about how to start the meal. You have to be very patient while introducing your baby to the world of solids. 

You should introduce one food item at a time and you must wait for at least 2 to 3 days before introducing a new meal, to observe any allergic reactions such as diarrhea, rash, or vomiting. If any of the symptoms is being observed, you should discontinue with the meal and must consult your doctor for the same.

You can plan a proper meal chart which is a complete mix of all vitamins and minerals. Initially, between the ages of 6 to 8 months, you should start with 1 to 2 meals in a day along with either breastmilk or formula and the quantity needs to be increased gradually depending upon the intake. When your tiny one reaches the age between 12 to 24 months, the food diet is increased to 3 to 4 times a day with additional snacks time in between.

Complementary feeding for babies: What foods should you start feeding your baby with?

Every child has individual preferences and tastes. But the whole objective behind complementary food is to provide sufficient energy, proteins and micronutrients to bridge the gap between your child’s energy and her nutrients intake. In the beginning, it is recommended to consult your child’s doctor for the entire food list that can be introduced. Since your kid is not in a practice of chewing and is new to the solids, so it is advised to begin with any pureed single ingredient food with no added sugar or salt. First pureed food items include sweet potatoes, bananas, peaches, chickoo and pears.

At the early stages, between 4 to 6 months, you should start with fairly watered version. You have to be careful with the spoon that you use. Slowly and gradually, you can thicken the consistency as she becomes comfortable in gulping down the food. The recommended quantity at this age is around 5 to 10 tea spoons at a time.

Also read: Consult your doctor before feeding your baby solid food

Between the age group of 6 to 8 months, the quantity increases to 40 to 45 ml per meal. You can start preparing purees with a very smooth texture. Fruits and vegetables can be introduced but in the pureed form. Your baby can start tolerating slightly coarser purees as she enters the age group of 8 to 10 months. At this age, your baby can handle fibers found in fruits and vegetables.

As your tiny toddler reaches the age of 1, she is all prepared for more variety and hard foods. You can now start with proteins in the form of meat, fish, eggs and chicken. Your baby has learned to chew by now so you can cut vegetables and fruits into small pieces. Slowly, you can even introduce acidic food.

It is important for your baby to get used to the process of eating. As a parent you should remember to add lots of variety of healthy foods that are rich in nutrients. Do not overfeed; always be careful about the quantity of the food. Any clues of allergy, you should immediately consult your pediatrician.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.