Is it possible to substitute breastfeeding with supplementary feeding?

No. Breast milk remains a valuable source of nutrition even after solid foods are introduced and should be continued up to two years of age or beyond.

What is the recommended food frequency for a 6-month-old infant?

At six months of age, babies can be offered two small meals per day. As the child grows, both the frequency and portion size can be gradually increased.

Which foods should be introduced first during supplementary feeding?

Initial foods should be soft, well-cooked, and iron-rich, such as fortified cereals, lentils, mashed fruits, and pureed vegetables.

How can I tell if my baby is feeding satisfactorily?

Infants naturally regulate their food intake. Parents should observe hunger and fullness cues rather than forcing the baby to eat.

Are homemade baby foods safe for infants?

Yes. Homemade baby foods are safe, nutritious, and cost-effective when they are prepared hygienically and cooked thoroughly.

Does iron matter during supplementary feeding?

Yes. Iron is essential for brain development and the prevention of anemia. Iron-rich foods should be included regularly in an infant’s diet.

Is early introduction of allergenic foods effective?

Common allergenic foods can be introduced in small amounts, one at a time, while monitoring for any reactions. A pediatrician should be consulted if there is a family history of allergies.

Supplementary feeding for infants After 6 Months

Q: What is supplementary feeding among infants?

Supplementary feeding refers to the introduction of solid or semi-solid foods after six months of age while continuing breastfeeding to meet the increased nutritional requirements of infants.

Last Updated on December 23, 2025 by Healthy Home

Reviewed by Public Health Expert (MPH), with experience in maternal and child health programs.

Medical Disclaimer : This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider. This article was reviewed by a Public Health Expert (MPH) with experience in maternal, infant and child nutrition programs aligned with WHO and UNICEF frameworks.

Supplementary feeding for infants : During a baby’s growth, they require food in addition to breast milk; therefore, introducing complementary foods at this stage is essential. Starting after 6 months, a baby requires semi-solid foods alongside breastfeeding to support healthy growth, brain development, and immune function.

Introduction:

The breast milk has all the necessary nutrients that an infant needs within the first six months of his or her life. As babies however develop though, their nutritional needs become more and more. After approximately half a year of age, breast milk is no longer adequate to support the increasing energy, iron and other nutrient requirements.

This is where complementary foods also referred to as complementary feeding comes in. It entails the introduction of safe, nutritious solid and semi-solid foods while continuing breastfeeding, which may help support optimal growth, brain development and immunity, brain development and immunity.

Table Of Contents

Introduction:
What Is Supplementary Feeding for Infants?
The Importance of Complementary foods After 6 months
WHO-Recommended Feeding Schedule by Age
Food Texture and Consistency as a Function of Age
Best Foods to Start With
Hygiene and Food Safety Regulations
Safe and Pleasant Feeding
Foods to Avoid for Infants
Recommended WHO Portion Sizes
Symptoms Your Infant Is Ready for Complementary Foods
FAQs :

What Is Supplementary Feeding for Infants?

Supplementary feeding can be described as a slow introduction of solids or semi-solids beyond six months of age but at the same time breastfeeding up to two years or more as suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The foods are supplementary to breast milk and can be used to fill any nutritional deficiencies at a very critical stage of infant development.

The Importance of Complementary foods After 6 months

At around six months:

Iron reserves since birth start to run out.
Energy needs increase
Babies learn how to sit with assistance and ingest food.

Appropriate complementary feeding:

Supports physical growth
Enhances brain development
Strengthens immunity
Helps acquire chewing and swallowing.
Promotes healthy eating habit at an early age.

WHO-Recommended Feeding Schedule by Age

6–8 Months

2 to 3 small meals per day
Keep on breast feeding at will.
Begin with 2 -3 tablespoons of it per meal and build up.

9–11 Months

3 to 4 meals per day
1–2 healthy snacks if needed
Go on with the regular breastfeeding

12–23 Months

3 to 4 family meals per day
1–2 nutritious snacks
Continue breastfeeding on demand

Food Texture and Consistency as a Function of Age

6 months: Mashed or pureed food (smooth consistency)
7-9 months thicker mashed food with soft lumps.
9-12 months: soft foodstuffs (not difficult to hold and chew)
After 12 months: Family foods, which are well chopped or mashed.

The gradual buildup in texture assists in the development of chewing and promotes the development of speech.

Best Foods to Start With

Healthy first foods include::

Iron-fortified cereals
Mashed and well cooked lentils.
Crushed vegetables (potato, cauliflower, broccoli, etc.)
Pureed pumpkin, sweet potato and carrot vegetables.
Soft cooked rice or porridge

Add one new food at a time and wait a few days then add another to see the level of tolerance.

Hygiene and Food Safety Regulations

Wash hands prior to preparing and feeding of food.
Clean utensils and drinking water should be used.
Prepare and cook food and present it fresh.
Make sure that you do not repeat the heating of food.
Food should be stored in proper ways to avoid contamination.

Hygiene is very important in the prevention of infections and diarrhea.

Safe and Pleasant Feeding

Breastfeed your infant when s/he is awake and relaxed.
Make sure that the baby is in a sitting position with the proper support.
Distraction should be avoided like television or mobile phones.
Let the baby to play with food with fingers.
Promote self feeding at developmental stage.
Never force a baby to eat
You must always observe your baby during meals.

Baby-led feeding is something that can be promoted provided there is a sense of safety.

Foods to Avoid for Infants

Some foods must be avoided because they are dangerous to health:

Honey: Infants at risk of botulism.
Uncut grapes and whole nuts: choking.
Added salt and sugar
Highly spicy or fried foods
Unpasteurized foods
Milk as primary drink prior to 1 st year.

Eggs to be given to infants should be cooked properly.

WHO supports early introduction of well-cooked allergenic foods such as eggs and peanuts (in safe forms) after 6 months, especially in non-high-risk infants.