Complementary feeding is essential for development
Complementary feeding is quite simply the process of moving your child from a total milk diet to one that includes solid food too. It’s an exciting part of your child’s development and an essential one. Milk will continue to supply many of the nutrients your child needs for some time, but as your child becomes more active, solid foods will become an increasingly important part of their healthy, balanced diet.
Complementary feeding your child is something that can’t be done in a hurry – it’s a gradual progression where you’ll move your child on from liquid to pureés, then onto lumpier textures and finally pieces. It’s also quite a messy process!
Developing and learning
Complementary feeding isn't just about giving them extra nutrients or filling them up. Around this stage, your child is extremely adaptable and learns fast. By introducing them to new tastes, textures and the experience of eating from a spoon, feeding becomes a great way to help their development.
The process of complementary feeding is also about getting your child used to the new and very strange feeling of food in their mouth! Over the next few months as you introduce new tastes and textures, your child will develop their swallowing and chewing skills. This helps them to develop the muscles they’ll use for talking later on.
Be patient
Bear in mind that complementary feeding is a bit of a trial and error process and because learning to eat is such a big change from sucking milk from breast, it can get a bit frustrating for your child – and for you too!
Be prepared to be patient as your child gets used to the sensation of moving food around in their mouth and learns to chew. The main thing is, not to worry - it can take up to 15 attempts for your child to accept certain foods!
And remember, we’re here to help with guidance and advice if you need it.