The days with a baby are sweet, and before you know it, your baby is already several months old. As the baby grows, relying solely on breastfeeding is no longer enough to meet the child's nutritional needs. If complementary foods are not added in a timely manner, the child may experience malnutrition and their growth and development may be compromised. So, new mothers may ask, when should we start introducing complementary foods to our babies? Let's take a look together!
Why should we add complementary foods?
1. After 6 months, the mother's breast milk production gradually decreases, and the baby's appetite begins to increase. At this point, solely relying on breast milk is no longer sufficient to meet the baby's daily nutritional needs.
2. For babies aged 6-12 months, it is a critical period for developing chewing and swallowing skills. Chewing and swallowing abilities need to be learned by babies. If they do not practice during this period, they may refuse to try later on, and even if they do eat, they may immediately spit it out, causing feeding difficulties.
3. Complementary foods can provide a more diverse and complete range of nutrients, including calories, iron, vitamins, and even trace elements such as zinc and copper. Introducing different types of complementary foods can help babies develop a taste for various flavors and prevent picky eating in the future.
4. When the baby is 4-6 months old, the digestive enzymes, including amylase, start to be secreted, indicating that the digestive and absorption functions are gradually maturing. This is the time to start practicing eating complementary foods to improve gastrointestinal function. However, it is important to ensure that the baby is well-nourished before introducing complementary foods.
When can we start introducing complementary foods to babies?
According to the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the UK Department of Health, exclusive breastfeeding should be carried out for at least 6 months. After 6 months, complementary foods can be introduced. This is because breast milk can meet all the nutritional needs of babies, including water, for the first 6 months. Similarly, infant formula, as a substitute for breast milk, can also meet all the nutritional needs of babies before 6 months.
6 months is the time when babies start to adapt to different foods and it is the best time for introducing different food textures and feeding methods. Considering the baby's digestive system and the nutritional value of breast milk, if conditions permit, it is best for mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies until they are 6 months old, and then gradually introduce complementary foods.
If for some reason a baby or mother cannot continue exclusive breastfeeding, complementary foods can be introduced from 4 months, but not before 4 months and not after 6 months.
Additionally, the introduction of complementary foods should also be based on the baby's growth and development. Generally, the following criteria can be used: the baby's head and neck muscles have developed sufficiently, allowing them to hold their head up independently, making it easier for them to eat solid foods; their swallowing function is gradually coordinated and mature, so they no longer spit out food from their tongue; the digestive enzymes in their digestive system can already digest different types of food.
Why are complementary foods so important for babies?
As the baby grows, relying solely on breast milk or formula is no longer sufficient to provide all the necessary nutrients and energy. The introduction of solid foods becomes important for their development, as it helps train their oral and facial muscles. Lastly, by introducing complementary foods, your baby can experience different tastes, which is crucial for their further development during the early stages.
