It has been emphasized by health experts that before six months, breast milk is all your baby needs. Remember that at the first hour of life through to six moths, your baby doesn’t need anything else – no water, tea, juice, porridge or any other foods or fluids during this period.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) solid foods should be phased in at six months and while at it breastfeeding should continue.
To meet the growing needs of babies at six months of age, mashed solid foods should be introduced as a complement to continued breastfeeding. Foods for the baby can be specially prepared or modified from family meals.
WHO points out the following during the introduction of solid food:
Breastfeeding should not be decreased when starting on solids;
Food should be given with a spoon or cup, not in a bottle;
Food should be clean and safe; and ample time is needed for young children to learn to eat solid foods.
It is important to note that you need to start to introduce soft foods at 6 months when your baby needs more energy and nutrients than your milk alone can provide.
At 6 months, start giving your baby just two to three spoonfuls of soft food, such as porridge, mashed fruits or vegetables, twice a day.
Source: WHO and Unicef
