Baby Food Introduction

After a baby is born, it grows under the careful care of its mother. Babies at different stages have different physical changes and needs. When a baby reaches around 6 months old, it is generally time to introduce complementary foods. When introducing complementary foods to a baby, it is necessary to add them according to the specific situation of the baby. If the baby has been exclusively breastfed, complementary foods can be introduced at 6 months. If the baby is mixed-fed, complementary foods can be introduced at around 5 months.

When Can Babies Start Eating Complementary Foods?

1. The World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the UK Department of Health all recommend that exclusive breastfeeding should be carried out for at least 6 months. After 6 months, complementary foods can be introduced to babies. This is because breast milk can meet all nutritional needs, including water, until 6 months of age. Formula milk, which is a mimic and substitute for breast milk, can also meet all nutritional needs of babies until 6 months of age.

2. If a mother cannot continue exclusive breastfeeding for some reason, and if the baby shows physiological signals for introducing complementary foods, such as the disappearance of the tongue thrust reflex, the ability to hold up the head, and interest in food, then complementary foods can be introduced at this time. However, the earliest age should not be earlier than 17 weeks and the latest age should not be later than 26 weeks.

Why Should Complementary Foods Be Introduced?

1. To meet the baby's evolving nutritional needs. After the baby reaches 6 months of age, exclusive breastfeeding cannot fully meet its nutritional needs. Therefore, based on breastfeeding, it is necessary to introduce complementary foods to supplement sufficient energy, protein, iron, zinc, vitamins A and B, and other key nutrients. Especially iron needs to be supplemented. If complementary foods are not introduced in time to allow the baby to obtain sufficient iron from other foods, it may lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Therefore, it is generally recommended to introduce complementary foods to babies in a timely manner. The first complementary food is recommended to be iron-rich cereal-based porridge.

2. To exercise chewing and swallowing abilities. The age of 6-12 months is a critical period for the development of chewing and swallowing abilities. For babies, chewing and swallowing are skills that need to be learned. If they do not practice, after 1 year of age, they may refuse to try new foods. Even if the baby is willing to eat, they may spit it out immediately, causing feeding difficulties. Therefore, after the baby reaches 7 months of age, different types, flavors, and shapes of complementary foods should be gradually introduced to allow the baby to adapt to various tastes from a young age, avoid picky eating and partial eating in the future, and exercise chewing and swallowing abilities.

3. To exercise digestive abilities. When a baby reaches 4-6 months of age, it starts to secrete salivary amylase. Although the content is not high, it represents that the baby's digestion and absorption functions are gradually developing. At this time, practicing eating complementary foods can help exercise the digestive abilities of the stomach and intestines.

4. To promote growth and development. When a baby reaches 6 months of age, its oral motor function, sense of taste, smell, touch, and other perceptual abilities, as well as psychological, cognitive, and behavioral abilities, are basically ready to accept new foods. Introducing complementary foods at this time can not only meet the baby's nutritional needs but also meet its psychological needs and promote the development of its perceptual, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral abilities.