What is complementary feeding and why is it important?

Complementary feeding refers to the introduction of solid foods alongside milk feeding for babies. It plays a crucial role in your child's development as it provides important nutrients and eases the transition to solid foods. Introducing complementary foods allows your baby to learn about new flavours and textures, develop their taste preferences and gradually expand their diet.

Overall, complementary feeding is an important milestone in a baby's nutritional development. It offers the opportunity to expand the diet, discover new flavours and promote the baby's independence. However, complementary foods should always be introduced carefully and individually adapted to meet the baby's needs and development. Talking to your paediatrician or a specialist can be helpful in making the transition to complementary foods as smooth as possible.

Complementary food: When can I start feeding my baby?

When you can start feeding your baby complementary foods depends on various factors. First of all, it should be noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusively breastfeeding babies up to the age of 6 months. The right time for complementary feeding cannot be generalised. Most parents start feeding their baby between 5 and 7 months. You can recognise when your baby is ready by the following signs.

It is important to note that these signs of maturity are only guidelines and each baby develops at their own pace. Watch your baby carefully and listen to their signals. When he shows these signs of maturity and you are sure that he is ready, you can start introducing complementary foods.

Remember that complementary food is a supplement to milk feeding and that breastfeeding or bottle feeding still play an important role. Start with small portions and gradually increase the amount as your baby gets used to the new flavours and textures.

Enjoy this exciting phase of baby development and have fun discovering new culinary adventures together with your baby!

What is suitable as a first complementary food?

Introducing complementary foods opens up a new world of flavours for your baby. Here are some recommended first complementary foods you can try:

1. Sweet potato: Sweet potato is an excellent choice for first complementary foods. It is mild, easy to digest and rich in important nutrients such as vitamin A, fibre and potassium. You can peel them, cut them into small pieces and gently steam them until they are soft enough to mash or puree.
2. Courgette: Courgette is another popular vegetable for first foods. It is gentle on your baby's sensitive stomach and contains important nutrients such as vitamin C, fibre and potassium. Slice the courgette, steam it and then puree it to a smooth consistency.
3. Avocado: Avocado is a healthy and creamy option for the first complementary food. It contains healthy fats, fibre and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Peel a ripe avocado, remove the stone and mash the flesh to a smooth consistency. You can serve it on its own or combine it with other vegetables.
4. Carrot: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Peel the carrots, cut them into pieces and cook them until they are soft. You can mash them or cut them into small pieces, depending on how well your baby can chew.
5. Parsnip: Parsnips are a mild root vegetable that is rich in fibre and vitamins. Peel the parsnips, cut them into pieces and cook them until they are soft. You can puree them or cut them into small pieces to offer your baby different textures.
6. Pumpkin: Pumpkin is also a popular vegetable for the first complementary foods. It is rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals. Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds and cut it into pieces. Cook it until it is soft and puree it to a smooth consistency or offer it in small pieces.

Remember to introduce new foods one at a time and monitor your baby's reaction to allergies or intolerances. Also follow the recommended age guidelines for certain foods to minimise the risk of choking. The range of first complementary foods is varied and you can gradually introduce different vegetables to explore your baby's taste preferences. It's important to pay attention to your baby's individual needs and reactions, and if you have any questions or uncertainties, consult your paediatrician or a nutritionist to ensure that your baby's complementary foods are balanced and safe.

Which foods are unsuitable as complementary foods?

When introducing complementary foods, it is important to avoid certain foods as they can pose an increased risk of choking. Here are some foods that you should avoid in the first few months of complementary feeding:

1. Foods with chunky pieces: Avoid foods that contain chunky pieces, such as whole nuts, grapes or cherry tomatoes. Always cut them into small, child-friendly pieces to prevent choking.
2. Hard or sticky food: Avoid foods such as hard candy, caramel or marshmallows as they can pose a choking risk. You should also avoid sticky foods such as peanut butter in the first few months.
3. Raw foods: Avoid eating raw meat, raw eggs or raw fish. They can contain potentially dangerous bacteria and increase the risk of food poisoning.
4. Honey: Avoid using honey in complementary foods as it can increase the risk of botulism, a serious illness that can occur in infants.
5. Strongly flavoured food: Avoid strongly flavoured or spicy foods as they can irritate your baby's sensitive stomach. Start with mild and well-tolerated flavours.

It is important to follow these recommendations to ensure your baby's safety and well-being during the introduction of complementary foods. If in doubt, you can always consult your paediatrician or a nutritionist for further information and advice.

What to do for constipation?

If your baby is struggling with constipation, there are some foods that can have a laxative effect and help to ease bowel movements. Here are some tips:

• Prune puree: Prune puree is known for its laxative effect and can help relieve constipation. Give your baby a small spoonful of prune puree to stimulate digestion.

• Pear: Pears contain fibre and natural sugars that can stimulate bowel movements. Offer your baby pureed or steamed pears as a gentle laxative.

• Warm apple juice: A sip of warm apple juice can also help with constipation. However, make sure that the apple juice is not too hot and dilute it with a little water if necessary to reduce the concentration.

• Hydration: Make sure your baby is getting enough fluids, especially water. A good fluid intake can help to regulate bowel movements.

In addition to these laxative foods, you can also try gently massaging your baby's tummy muscles or holding them down to stimulate a bowel movement. If constipation persists or you are concerned, you should consult your paediatrician for further advice and possible treatment options. Remember that every baby's digestion is different and it is normal to experience occasional constipation. With the right measures and support, you can help your baby to develop a healthy digestive system.

How much complementary food does my baby need?

The amount of complementary food your baby needs varies from person to person and depends on their needs and developmental stages. In general, at the beginning of complementary feeding, it is less about the amount of food and more about exploring new flavours and textures. Here are some important points to bear in mind:

Should I supplement omega-3 if we don't eat fish?

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the healthy development of your baby. They are particularly important for brain and eye development. Normally, omega-3 fatty acids are obtained by eating fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel or tuna. However, if you or your baby do not eat fish for certain reasons, it may be necessary to supplement omega-3 fatty acids. Here are some important points to bear in mind:

• Consult with your paediatrician: Before considering omega-3 supplements for your baby, it's important to speak to your paediatrician. The doctor can assess your baby's specific nutritional needs and make recommendations for appropriate supplementation.
• Alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids: If you are avoiding fish, there are other sources of omega-3 fatty acids that can be incorporated into your baby's diet. These include, for example, linseed, chia seeds or walnuts. Note, however, that it may be difficult for babies to chew or digest these foods. It is therefore important to choose the appropriate form and preparation, for example as a ground powder or in pureed form.
• Specific omega-3 supplements: In some cases, it may be necessary to use omega-3 supplements in the form of drops or capsules. These are usually specifically tailored to the needs of infants and contain the required amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Consult your paediatrician for recommendations and to determine the correct dosage.
• Take allergies or intolerances into account: When choosing omega-3 supplements, you should also consider allergies or intolerances. Find out about the ingredients and check that the product is free from allergens that your baby may be sensitive to.