Complementary feeding for babies: when to introduce each food

Introducing foods properly and at the right time not only ensures optimal nutrition, but also helps prevent allergies, intolerances and digestive problems. Yes, we are referring to complementary feeding. In this article, we explain when and how to introduce each food into your baby's diet. Keep reading!

What is complementary feeding?

Complementary feeding refers to the introduction of solid or semi-solid foods into a baby's diet, from six months of age, while breastfeeding or infant formula remains the main source of nutrients. You could say that complementary feeding is the diet of a 6-month-old baby. This stage is crucial for:

• Meeting nutritional needs that milk alone can no longer satisfy, such as iron, zinc and vitamin D.
• Encouraging acceptance of different textures and flavours.
• Establishing healthy eating habits from an early age.

Signs that your baby is ready for solid foods

Before starting complementary feeding, it is important to make sure that the baby is physically and neurologically ready. Some signs that they are ready include:

1. Holding their head upright and having trunk control when sitting.
2. Showing interest in the food adults are eating, by watching or trying to grab it.
3. Losing the extrusion reflex, which means pushing food out of the mouth with the tongue.
4. Being able to open their mouth and close their lips around a spoon.

Gradual introduction of foods

The introduction of foods should be gradual and structured, respecting the baby's development and nutritional needs. A general complementary feeding guide is as follows:

1. Cereals and vegetable purees (6 months)You can start with gluten-free cereals and mild vegetable purees, such as carrot, pumpkin, courgette or potato. These foods provide energy and essential vitamins. It is advisable to offer only one new food at a time for 3 to 5 days to detect possible allergies.

2. Fruit (6 months)Soft, ripe fruits such as banana, pear or cooked apple are introduced after vegetables. They are rich in fibre, vitamins and antioxidants, and help develop a taste for naturally sweet flavours.

3. Animal proteins (7-8 months)You can add lean meats such as chicken, turkey or beef, as well as white fish. These foods are important sources of iron and zinc, which are essential for growth and cognitive development.

6. Pulses (8-9 months)Pulses such as lentils, chickpeas and beans should be offered well cooked and mashed. They are an excellent source of fibre, plant protein and minerals such as iron and magnesium.

4. Dairy products (8-9 months)You can introduce plain yoghurts or fresh cheeses, always in moderate amounts and avoiding cow's milk as the main drink until the baby is one year old. Dairy products provide calcium and high-quality protein.

5. Eggs (8-10 months)Egg is a food rich in protein and vitamins. It is recommended to introduce the cooked yolk first, and then the white, while watching for possible allergic reactions.

7. Foods containing gluten (6-8 months)Cereals containing gluten, such as oats, wheat or barley, can be introduced gradually, observing the baby's digestive tolerance.

Practical tips for complementary feeding

• Progressive textures: start with smooth purees and gradually offer mashed foods or small pieces, encouraging chewing and oral development.
• Avoid salt and sugar: babies do not need these ingredients added; salt can harm developing kidneys and sugar encourages unhealthy habits.
• Baby-led feeding: allow your baby to explore and pick up foods with their hands, encouraging independence and acceptance of new flavours.
• Variety and colour: offering foods of different colours and texturesstimulates curiosity and ensures a balanced intake of nutrients.
• Avoid risky foods: honey, whole nuts, fish high in mercury, or very hard or small foods that could cause choking.

Every baby is unique and may accept new foods at different rates. Patience is essential, as is watching for any adverse reaction, such as skin rashes, vomiting or diarrhoea, which could indicate allergies or intolerances. If you have any doubts, it is always advisable to consult your paediatrician or a child nutrition specialist.