Complementary feeding is the introduction of other foods, mostly solids, alongside breast milk or formula for growing babies. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the recommended time to start complementary feeding is the sixth month or 180 days after birth.
By this time, the baby’s digestive system has fully developed, their stomach capacity is larger, and their body starts asking for more nutrients to hit key growth milestones and prevent malnutrition.
Your child also shows some signs of readiness when they start gaining interest in food, can sit upright with support, and attain good head and neck control. However, it’s still highly recommended to continue breast milk or formula feeding for 2 years or longer even with the complementary feeding.
Our complementary feeding guide chart is prepared by a nutritionist and contains guidelines for introducing solids safely to your baby from the 6th to 23rd month including:
- General feeding guidelines
- Lists of foods
- Number of feeds per day
- Amount per feed
- Important safety points
Use this guide to help you implement the complementary feeding process correctly.
How Malaica Can Support Your Complementary Feeding
This complementary feeding guide is a great starting point for your baby. Our consultant pediatricians and nutritionists at Malaica can also provide you with more guidelines personalized to your baby’s needs including managing allergies, specific conditions, and those with birth complications.
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