When to introduce solid food or complimentary food is a widely discussed subject among mothers. The introduction of complementary foods to your baby involves the progression from exclusive breastfeeding to a mixed diet of breast milk and solid foods. The World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with the introduction of appropriate complementary foods with continued breastfeeding from six months, up to two years of age and beyond. When your baby begins solid foods, breast milk should make up the majority of your baby’s nutrition for the first year. Your breast milk provides all the calories and nutrients your baby needs up to six months of age. Your breast milk also provides your baby with immunologic protection and limits his exposure to pathogens at a vulnerable age.
Signs your baby may be ready for solid food:
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Most babies are ready for the introduction of solid foods between six to eight months.
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Baby can sit upright with no additional support required.
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Baby has the ability to control his own head.
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Baby has developed the pincer grasp; baby is able to use his index finger and thumb to pick up objects and food.
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Baby is showing signs that he is interested in food and mealtime, and is watching you eating eagerly.
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Baby has the ability to use pincer grasp to bring food to his mouth.
Why wait until six months to introduce solid food?
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Research has shown that, at approximately six months, a baby’s digestive system maturity is ready for the introduction of solid foods.
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Research has also shown that baby’s renal system has developed sufficiently to allow for digestion and absorption of a complex range of foods at this age. Prior to this stage, baby’s kidneys are immature, and solid foods can increase the renal solute load on baby’s immature kidneys.
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Babies are able to produce enzymes, such as pancreatic amylase, which are used to digest complex carbohydrates.
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The introduction of complementary foods encourages the development of gross and fine motor skills, exploratory behaviour and manual dexterity at this age.
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Breast milk enhances the maturation of baby’s digestive tract and immune system.
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Research has shown the introduction of solid foods to early can increase the risk of obesity in later life.
According to the World Health Organization, the initial introduction of complimentary foods is recommended two to three times a day between 6-8 months, increasing to three to four times daily between 9-11 months, and 12-24 months with additional nutritious snacks offered one to two times per day, as required.
Complementary feeding should include a variety of foods to cover the nutritional needs of the growing child whilst breastfeeding. Attached is a link to the World Health Organization publication; Guiding Principles for Complementary Feeding of the Breastfed Child. This resource will guide you and your baby along your breastfeeding journey when introduction complementary food and breastfeeding.
Health professionals such as General Practitioner or Public Health Nurse can also provide you with information on complementary foods and the four stages of introducing complimentary food, which include information on suitable foods, consistency, and the number of meals per day. You can also order useful resources at www.healthpromotion.ie such as ‘Spoonfeeding Your Baby’. If you decide to continue exclusively breastfeeding your baby past six months without introducing complimentary foods. It is important your baby’s growth and development are within normal limits to ensure your breast milk is meeting his needs.
