Introducing solids
Complementary feeding 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! While breast milk or infant formula contains all the nutrients a baby needs from birth to around six months of age, it becomes more difficult to meet the nutrient requirements from breast milk or formula alone. Complementary solid foods will become increasingly important for their growth and development as part of a nutritious, well balanced diet.
However, there has been a lot of debate around what is the best age to introduce solids. Current recommendations in Australia and New Zealand suggest that complementary foods should be introduced when your baby is around six months old, but as your baby's loving mum, you'll probably already have an instinct for when your baby is ready to give solids a go.
While all children are different, introducing complementary foods earlier than four months old is not recommended because your baby's digestive system is not yet developed enough to properly cope with solids. If in doubt, talk about it with your health care professional about your baby and trust your instincts to decide exactly when they are ready.
Keep in mind though, 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 can also be quite a messy process!
Developing and learning
Complementary feeding isn't just about giving them extra nutrients or filling up their hungry tummy. Around this stage, your baby is extremely adaptable and learns fast, so by introducing them to new tastes, textures and the experience of eating from a spoon, feeding becomes a great way to help their mental development.
The process of introducing solids is also about getting your baby used to the odd new feeling of having 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 will help 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! Because learning to eat is such a big change from sucking milk from the breast or a bottle, it will probably be a bit frustrating at times 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! However, if you make it into an enjoyable and happy experience for your baby, you'll find it to be as much of a special bonding time with your baby as breastfeeding!
And remember, we're here to help with guidance and advice if you need it. Just get in touch. We're here to help!