You can start your baby’s complementary diet at four months if they are ready [1], but it is considered necessary by six months [2] because the baby's nutrient and energy needs exceed what breast milk or formula can provide [2]. According to the WHO, at this stage, babies need the extra 200 calories a day that solid food can provide. If you don’t start your baby on complementary foods at this point, their growth and development may be affected [3].
Go through our checklist to see if your baby is ready for this new stage.
Your baby may not be excited about new foods at first, but don't be discouraged! Sometimes you have to offer them the same food anywhere from ten to fifteen times before they accept and enjoy it [4]. If the child shows no interest in solids and spits out the food every time, try waiting one or two weeks to begin again [5].
The introduction of complementary foods does not eliminate or reduce the need for breastmilk or formula; at this point, they are still the main component of your baby’s diet [3].
