From about 5 months, breast milk is no longer sufficient to satisfy the newborn. It is usually the right time to start introducing complementary feeding. Here are some useful tips on how to get the child used to the new regime.
If breast milk can no longer cover your child's nutrient requirements, it is time to introduce solid or semi-solid nutrition. However, this change can put a strain on both the child's and the parents' patience. With a few simple measures, you will overcome this new challenge with skill.
Find the right timing
To increase the chances of success, try to offer the first feeding between one feeding and the other since the child will refuse to experiment with new foods if it is still too full or very hungry. Another possibility is to propose a first half-feed tasting.
We advise you to start weaning with a vegetable-only meal. Usually, children like carrots or pumpkin very much because they are sweet. If the newborn accepts the vegetable porridge without problems, the potatoes can be added after a week and some meat after a few days. If the child eats well, the meat can be replaced once a week with fish. At a later time, you can then go to baby food with milk, cereals, and fruit. Below we propose a guide that illustrates how to introduce a step by step complementary feeding (in German).
Every child has his rhythm
It does not matter if you decide to start weaning with homemade or homogenized baby food. If you opt for homogenized jars, focus on high-quality products and always check the ingredients: it is important that the baby food does not contain salt, sugar or other preservatives.
Remember that every child reacts differently to the introduction of solid nutrition. Some immediately show enthusiasm and curiosity, while others need more time. If your child falls into the category of the most skeptical, do not despair: offer him regularly different tastes at different times, you will discover his preferences. In any case, you need to get a lot of patience!
Choose the variety
From the age of 10 months, the child can begin to taste the solid foods that are consumed at the table in the family. The child can try (almost) everything that makes his throat and that he can swallow. However, be careful not to offer foods that are too salty, sweetened, seasoned or with preservatives. Experts in the field support the thesis that the introduction of a large variety of food reduces the frequency of allergies since the child's immune system is immediately accustomed to vast food diversity. In this way, it is also possible to reduce the risk of developing celiac disease (gluten intolerance).