INTRODUCING NEW FOODS TO BABIES: WHEN AND WHAT
Recently,
the Trump administration angered health experts around the world with
its attempt to weaken a UN resolution encouraging breastfeeding. The US
bid to promote the use of formula was unsuccessful and has prompted
discussions about the importance of exclusively breastfeeding (if
possible) for the baby’s first six months of life, before other foods
are introduced. In this edited version of their article in The
Conversation, Clare Collins and Jenna Hollis look at current
recommendations on introducing new foods to babies.
“Guidelines
recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s
life. But our 2017 study of new mothers in Australia found many were
unsure what exclusive breastfeeding meant. The World Health Organisation
defines exclusive breastfeeding as feeding only breastmilk and no other
foods or drinks, not even water. The definition does allow inclusion of
oral rehydration solutions, or drops or syrups for vitamins, minerals,
and medicines prescribed by a doctor. Preterm or underweight babies may
need extra nutritious fluids, which are administered in consultation
between parents and paediatricians.
Some mothers may
not be able to breastfeed. Others may choose to move on from
breastfeeding. If a baby isn’t breastfed, or is partially breastfed,
commercial infant formula should be the only other food given until six
months. Breast (or infant formula) feeding is recommended alongside
other foods until the baby is 12 months and, for breastfeeding, for as
long as the mother and her infant want to keep it going.
Introducing
other foods Parents can start introducing other foods from around six
months of age. At this age, the baby’s iron stores obtained from their
mother will have started to deplete. Pureed meat or legumes and
iron-fortified rice cereal, are good sources of iron and are recommended
first foods. Next, parents can introduce a variety of vegetables,
fruit, and other foods. New foods should be added one at a time.
Gradually increase the texture from pureed initially at six months, then
to lumpy, and to family food textures at 12 months of age. Take care to
still avoid hard foods that don’t break up easily to prevent choking,
such as nuts and small, hard pieces of vegetables and fruit.
Cow’s
milk products can be introduced, including full-fat yoghurt and cheese,
but cow’s milk shouldn’t be given as the main drink until after 12
months (this is because it contains too much protein and salts). Boiled
then cooled tap water can be given from six months and tap water should
continue to be boiled first and cooled before given to baby until 12
months.
By 12 months, babies can be offered a variety
of nutritious foods that are enjoyed by the rest of the family, except
for choking hazards such as nuts.
Why does timing
matter? Breastfeeding has many benefits for the mother and baby. It
protects babies against infection, obesity, and chronic diseases such as
type 2 diabetes later in life. Breastmilk has all the energy and
nutrients babies need in the first months of life. Even when exclusive
breastfeeding doesn’t work out as planned, every extra day a baby
receives any breastmilk is beneficial. Breastmilk contains antibodies
and helps to mature the infant’s gut.
At six months,
babies also need semi-solid foods to help meet their energy needs for
growth and development, and specific nutrient requirements. Iron
deficiency anaemia is common in infants, mainly due to a low intake of
iron-rich foods after six months of age. By six months, babies usually
show signs they’re ready for food. These include sitting up, controlling
their head, eyeing your food when you eat, and reaching out for food.
In the 2016 study of mothers and their children we published, we found
babies introduced to semi-solid foods at six months were less likely to
experience feeding difficulties than babies who were given them between
four and six months of age.”
Nutrition tips for baby’s first year
- Seek advice on breastfeeding when you need it.
- If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
- Focus on developing healthy eating habits as a family.
