Weaning and complementary feeding: when and how to start with the first feedings

Introducing solid foods is an important milestone in every child's development. Introducing new foods into their diet requires attention and awareness from parents. But how do you know if it’s the right time? Here are the signs to look for to start complementary feeding safely and calmly.

Signs of readiness for complementary feeding

1. Appropriate age: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends starting around 6 months of age when breast milk or formula are no longer sufficient to meet the baby’s nutritional needs. (Source: WHO - Guidelines for complementary feeding)
2. Head control and posture: The baby must be able to hold their head up and sit with support (Source: Italian Society of Pediatrics - Guide to complementary feeding)
3. Disappearance of the extrusion reflex: This reflex causes babies to push food out with their tongue. When it disappears, the baby is ready to swallow solid foods (Source: Ministry of Health - Nutrition in the first years of life)
4. Interest in food: If the baby watches with curiosity what the parents are eating and tries to grab the food, they may be ready to start complementary feeding.
5. Ability to bring food to the mouth: Eye-hand-mouth coordination is essential to help the baby manage the first bites.
6. Increased appetite: If the baby seems unsatisfied after regular feedings and shows signs of hunger more frequently, it could be the right time to start.
   
   

How to prepare the first meals at home easily and quickly

Preparing the first meals for your baby at home is simple if you use the right tools. For example, using a Magic Pappa from Nuvita is a great help for parents to prepare vegetable broth, steam vegetables, cook meat and fish, blend and homogenize... all processes that, when done using safe materials such as steel and glass, unlike plastic, do not release potentially harmful substances and help preserve the nutrients in food.

Additionally, using fresh and seasonal ingredients, parents can offer the baby meals that are rich in nutrients and pleasant to the taste, while adjusting the consistency according to the baby's age to make the transition to solid foods more gradual and natural.
In this way, parents can offer their baby a healthy diet, avoiding packaged products and unnecessary preservatives.

What ingredients to choose for the first meals?

When preparing the first meals, it’s important to choose easily digestible and nutrient-rich foods. Among the recommended ingredients are:

• Vegetables: zucchini, carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, green beans, and spinach, ideal for the first vegetable meals.
• Fruits: apple, pear, banana, apricot, and plum, perfect for a sweet and nutritious fruit puree.
• Gluten-free cereals: rice, corn, and tapioca, good to start with before moving on to gluten-containing cereals.
• Proteins: white meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit, lamb), fish (cod, sole) and well-cooked and pureed legumes.
• Extra virgin olive oil: one teaspoon to season and provide essential fatty acids.
  
  

Gradual introduction of foods and food sensitivities

The introduction of foods during complementary feeding should be gradual, not only to help the baby get used to new flavors but also to monitor for any adverse reactions. It’s normal for parents to have concerns about allergies and intolerances, but in most cases, there’s no need to worry. The best way to detect food sensitivities is to introduce one food at a time and wait 3-5 days before introducing another. This allows for observation of symptoms such as redness, gastrointestinal issues, or irritability.

Among the foods to introduce with caution are eggs, fish, nuts, and gluten, but according to experts, there’s no need to delay their introduction as long as it’s done cautiously. If there are cases of food allergies in the family, it’s always helpful to consult the pediatrician for personalized guidance.

Allergy or intolerance? What’s the difference?

• Food allergy: This is an immune system reaction to a specific allergen. It can cause symptoms like hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis (Source: National Institute of Health - Report on food allergies)
• Food intolerance: This doesn’t involve the immune system but can cause digestive symptoms like bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. A common example is lactose intolerance (Source: European Society for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Pediatric Nutrition - Guidelines on managing food intolerances).

Common allergenic foods and how to introduce them

Some foods have a higher allergenic potential and should be introduced with caution:

1. Eggs
2. Fish and shellfish
3. Tree nuts and peanuts
4. Soy
5. Wheat (gluten)
6. Tomatoes and strawberries: some fruits can cause skin reactions in more sensitive children.
7. Citrus fruits: the acidity of citrus fruits can cause irritation in some babies.

Tips for safely introducing common allergenic foods

• One at a time: Introduce one new food every 3-5 days to monitor for any reactions.
• Start with small amounts: Offer small portions and gradually increase the amount.
• Observe for symptoms: If signs of a reaction appear (e.g., rashes, swelling, breathing issues), stop the food and consult a pediatrician.
• Prefer morning or lunchtime: If reactions occur, it’s easier to intervene earlier in the day.
• Avoid highly processed foods: Choosing fresh, natural foods reduces the risk of exposure to preservatives and potentially problematic additives.

What to do in case of suspected allergy or intolerance

• Consult a pediatrician: Early diagnosis is crucial for proper management.
• Avoid self-diagnosis: Allergy tests and clinical observation are essential to differentiate between an allergy and an intolerance.
• Don’t remove foods without reason: If there’s no medical confirmation, removing too many foods from the diet could cause nutritional deficiencies.
• Keep a food diary: Write down the foods introduced and any reactions to help identify intolerances more accurately.
• Always have an emergency plan: In case of severe reactions, knowing how to act quickly is essential.

How to make the introduction of solid foods a positive experience

• Create a calm environment: The meal should be a moment of discovery, without pressure or forcing.
• Start with simple foods: Vegetable purees, mashed fruits, and gluten-free cereals are excellent starting points.
• Avoid salt and sugar: Foods should be as natural as possible to help the baby get used to authentic flavors.
• Watch for allergic reactions: Introduce a new food every 3-5 days to spot any intolerances or allergies.
• Keep a routine: Offer meals at the same time each day to help the baby get used to the new eating habits.
• Use a spoon: Encouraging the use of a spoon instead of a bottle for semi-solid foods helps the baby develop eating skills.
  

The introduction of solid foods is an important phase that should be approached with patience and awareness. Offering homemade meals with fresh, seasonal ingredients is the best way to ensure a healthy and balanced diet.

By following these tips and using common sense, the introduction of solid foods will become a pleasant experience for both parents and babies, fostering a healthy relationship with food from early childhood.