There is no precise moment, universal for all babies, to begin introducing foods other than milk.
Around six months of age, however, every mother faces this delicate and special moment in their baby's growth, also known as "weaning" or complementary feeding.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding (or formula feeding when breastfeeding is not possible) for the first 6 months of life and, consequently, the introduction of foods other than milk only after 6 months.
This transition should occur when milk feeding alone is no longer sufficient to meet the infant's nutritional needs, especially regarding the intake of energy, protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins.
Around this age, in fact, the baby starts to move more than before, is able to maintain a posture that allows them to sit, and often shows great interest in what is happening around them.
The progressive introduction of so-called "complementary foods", i.e., foods other than milk, follows the individual needs and development of the baby, weight gain, and also the specific needs of the mother.
When the baby shows interest in what happens at the table during adult mealtimes and the pediatrician deems them sufficiently developed, it's time to introduce solid foods. Around six months of age, intestinal maturation is completed, and neurological development allows them to grasp, "chew" with their gums, and swallow effectively.
There are no defined methods or menus for starting complementary feeding.
Different dietary patterns can meet a child's nutritional needs without necessarily resorting to so-called baby food: from the very beginning, you can offer the baby some slices of bread, raw vegetables, pasta, or pieces of fruit.
The only precaution is that everything is cut properly to prevent choking incidents.
Foods should be offered with a spoon, without forcing the child, allowing them to touch what is on their plate and eat with their hands if they wish. Do not insist if they dislike a food, but alternate foods of different colors, flavors, and textures, re-offering the initially rejected food on subsequent days.
It is important for the child to eat sitting upright to avoid the risk of choking and to make them part of the meal.
By 9-12 months, the child should have tried a wide variety of foods and flavors, especially because the most recent studies have shown that the late introduction of "allergenic" foods does not prevent the development of food allergies and/or celiac disease in predisposed individuals, and that the child's age at the first exposure to the food (provided it occurs after four months of life) does not modify the risk of developing a potential allergy.
However, after 12 months, a child cannot be considered a small adult but has specific nutritional needs that the pediatrician will discuss with the parents.
The total energy intake, between 1 and 3 years, must be adequately distributed among the different macro-nutrients: 50% carbohydrates, 40% fats, and only 10% proteins.
As for fats, these should mainly come from fish, which should be consumed 2-3 times a week, allowing the recommended intake of omega-3 fats to be reached, and from vegetables, such as extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocado.
Avocado, in particular, is a very interesting fruit to offer to babies right from the start of complementary feeding.
Its fats are primarily monounsaturated, similar to those in extra virgin olive oil, thus healthy fats that do not negatively affect children's health. Comparing fresh fruit normally offered during the complementary feeding period, such as apples, pears, or bananas, a portion of about 30g of avocado contains less than 1g of sugar and many more essential nutrients for the child's development, such as folate, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
Data from major studies on infant and child nutrition show that children consume almost 40% of their total energy from foods such as refined cereals in the form of biscuits and snacks, sugary drinks, and fruit juices, refusing fruits and vegetables and ending up replacing healthy, antioxidant-rich foods with nutrient-poor but high-energy options like candies, sweets, and sugary drinks.
Therefore, a fussy eater who struggles to accept fruits and vegetables could greatly benefit from consuming a nutritious and energizing food like avocado.
This fruit is also particularly digestible and contains fiber that gently stimulates intestinal transit, both for little ones who, when approaching a new diet, start to have constipation problems, and for older children who often get blocked for other reasons.
In summary, avocados meet many expert recommendations regarding weaning and feeding babies: they are nutrient-rich, colorful, and have a naturally soft texture, ideal for mashing with little hands and gums, they have a low sugar content, a low glycemic index, and plenty of fiber.
Recipes:
Avocado Butter
simply made by blending half an avocado with a few drops of lemon, excellent to offer on bread or croutons for a snack. A sweeter version can be prepared with the addition of banana.
Avocado and Date Nutella
Excellent spread on a piece of bread for children as a snack or breakfast, especially during periods of convalescence or great fatigue. Also fantastic for expectant mothers for a delicious and nutritious snack (be careful not to overindulge!) and for breastfeeding mothers during periods of physical and mental "down."
- ½ avocado
- 5 soaked dates
- 1 teaspoon carob powder (as good as cocoa, but more suitable for young children as it has no stimulating effects on the nervous system)
Soak the dates in water for at least half an hour, then drain and remove the pit and, if possible, the outer skin.
Blend the ingredients together and store in an airtight jar in the fridge for a maximum of 5 days... if there's anything left after snack time!
Pear and Avocado Cream
From 6 months, to be offered as a snack.
- ½ avocado
- ½ ripe pear
- A handful of baby spinach
Clean the pear and avocado. Wash and dry the spinach leaves. Blend everything until you get the desired consistency.
Pasta Sauce
From when you start offering small pasta
- A few broccoli florets or zucchini
- ¼ avocado
- Lemon juice
- A teaspoon of Parmesan cheese
Source: WHO; Ministry of Health The Role of Avocados in Complementary and Transitional Feeding, Nutrients. 2016
DR. ANNA CARLIN
I am a nutritionist biologist, a Doctor of Pharmacy, and a passionate advocate for the healing power of food. I follow young and old, girls expecting a baby and women dealing with menopause, but especially all those who seek well-being and know that the first step must be taken at the table.
I love food, preparing it, and studying it.
Becoming a mother, of two boys, I have personally experienced how important food choices are during pregnancy and how the offering of dishes during weaning affects not only the child's well-being but above all the relationship they will form with eating.
I am convinced that there are no forbidden foods and perennial diets, but an awareness of what one eats and the pursuit of well-being through product quality.