Infant Nutrition: First Six Months and Introduction of Solid Foods

The First Six Months

  • The only food needed during the first six months of life is breastmilk or iron-fortified formula.
  • Babies get all the nutrition and fluids they need from either breastmilk or formula.
  • There is no reason to introduce juice, sugar water, or pureed foods in the first 6 months.

Introducing Solid Foods

  • The baby's parents and the pediatrician (a medical practitioner specializing in children and their diseases) should decide the right time to introduce solid foods to the baby's diet.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 66 months.
  • Infants should begin to eat solid foods by 66 months because their nutritional needs for iron change around that age. Breastmilk alone can no longer supply what they need.
  • After that, gradually add solid foods while still breastfeeding until at least 11 year of age.
  • These foods can be simple and do not require unnecessary "extras," like salt and sugar.

Readiness Signs for Solid Foods

  • Signs that the baby is ready to transition to solid foods include:
    • Can hold up their own heads and sit with some help
    • Begins to show interest in your food
    • Doubled birth weight
    • Can move food from the front of their mouth to the back

Key Terms

  • Pediatrician: a medical practitioner specializing in children and their diseases.