What is complementary feeding?
Complementary feeding or introducing solids is the process of moving your baby from a total milk diet to one that includes solid food. It’s an exciting part of your baby’s development and an essential one. Breast milk or infant formula contains all the nutrients a baby needs from birth to around 6 months of age when complementary foods will become an increasingly important part of their healthy, balanced diet. After 6 months of age, it becomes more difficult to meet the nutrient requirements from breast milk or formula alone.
There has been a lot of debate around the optimal age to introduce solids. Current recommendations in Australia and New Zealand suggest that complementary foods should be introduced at around 6 months old. All children are different, however introducing complementary foods earlier than 4 months old is not recommended because your baby’s digestive system is still developing and is not yet able to properly cope with solids. If in doubt you can talk to your health care professional about your baby and when they are ready.
Feeding solids to your baby is something that can’t be done in a hurry – it’s a gradual progression where you’ll move your baby on from liquid to purées, then onto lumpier textures and finally pieces. It’s also quite a messy process!
Developing and learning
Complementary feeding isn’t just about giving them extra nutrients or filling them up. Around this stage, your baby is extremely adaptable and learns fast. By introducing them to new tastes, textures and the experience of eating from a spoon, feeding becomes a great way to help their development.
The process of introducing solids is also about getting your baby used to the new feeling of food in their mouth. Over the next few months, as you introduce new tastes and textures, your baby will develop their swallowing and chewing skills. This helps them to develop the muscles they’ll end up using for talking.
Be patient
Bear in mind that complementary feeding is a bit of a trial and error process and because learning to eat is such a big change from sucking milk from breast or bottle, it can get a bit frustrating for your baby – and for you too!
Be prepared to be patient as your baby gets used to the sensation of moving food around in their mouth and learns to chew. The main thing is, not to worry - it can take up to 10 attempts for your baby to accept certain foods!
And remember, we’re here to help with guidance and advice if you need it.