The transition to complementary feeding in infants, in addition to breast milk, is both an interesting and sometimes confusing phase. Babies are exclusively fed with breast milk for the first 6 months. From the 6th month onwards, complementary foods should be introduced, but breast milk still remains the main source of nutrition. Complementary foods serve only as support.
Medianews.az presents the rules for starting complementary feeding:
New foods should be given one at a time and in small amounts. Start with one teaspoon and gradually increase. Each new food should be introduced with at least 2-3 days intervals so that allergies and digestion issues can be monitored.
6-8 months
- Vegetables: Carrot, pumpkin, zucchini, and potato should be steamed and given as puree.
- Fruits: Apple, pear, peach can be offered as seasonal purees.
- Lentil soup: Fine puree form, from the 7th month, 2-3 times minced meat can be added.
- Homemade yogurt: Rich in probiotics, provides calcium and protein.
- Unsalted cheese
8-12 months
- Egg yolk: Well cooked, should be introduced starting with 1/8 quantity and then increased. It is recommended to give egg white after 1 year of age.
- Meat: Lean chicken or lamb meat should be added twice minced to vegetable purees.
- Olive oil: When added after cooking with purees and soups, it facilitates digestion and enhances vitamin absorption.
Points to pay attention to
- Honey, cow's milk, salt, and sugar should not be given before 1 year of age under any circumstances.
- Foods that may pose a choking hazard (nuts, grapes, raw carrots) and hard foods should not be given to the baby.
Medianews.az