Principles of Adding Baby Complementary Food

In order to ensure the normal development of babies and provide them with sufficient essential nutrients, complementary foods should be introduced at a certain age. Nonetheless, introducing complementary foods is not a matter of the earlier, the better, and should not be done haphazardly. It should be done in a planned manner based on the baby's age and physical condition.

Childcare experts and nutritionists emphasize eight principles that mothers should follow when introducing complementary foods:

(1) Be appropriate for the baby's age;

(2) Introduce one to multiple kinds;

(3) Complementary foods should be fresh, tender, hygienic, and tasty;

(4) Create a pleasant eating atmosphere;

(5) Gradually move from liquid to solid;

(6) Gradually increase the size of food particles;

(7) Stop adding complementary foods immediately in case of any discomfort;

(8) Avoid consuming liquid or pureed foods for too long.

Complementary foods provide complete and balanced nutrition, which is very important for growing children, especially in providing nutrition at the 0-1 year stage, which lays the foundation for the baby's lifelong health. Generally, babies can start consuming complementary foods from 4-6 months. Babies who are mix-fed or formula-fed can start adding complementary foods after 4 months. Introducing complementary foods is very important for the physical development and health of babies, and for their future nutritional supplementation and dietary habits.