Nutrition in Infancy
From birth until the 6th month of life, the World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding, aiming for the healthy growth, development and immune protection of the infant.
After this period, as the baby grows and becomes more active, breast milk is no longer sufficient to meet all of his energy and nutrient needs. Therefore, complementary foods are gradually introduced into the infant's diet, while ideally breastfeeding continues until 2 years of age or beyond.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
For the infant
- Provides a balance of nutrients with high bioavailability
- Provides antibodies, protecting his health from the first days
- Protects against gastrointestinal infections, allergies, tooth decay, diabetes and obesity
- Provides hormones that promote normal growth
- Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- It is sterile, fresh and always at the right temperature
- Strengthens physical contact and the emotional bond between mother and infant
For the mother
- Causes contractions in the uterus, helping it return to its normal state before pregnancy
- Reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and the occurrence of breast and ovarian cancer
- Reduces the likelihood of developing depressive symptoms after childbirth
- Inhibits the reproductive process, providing partial contraceptive protection
- Protects bone health
- Preserves iron stores due to absence of menstruation
- Saves time, as breast milk is always available and ready
- Saves money compared to commercial milk and sterilization devices
Signs of Readiness for Starting Solid Foods
You can introduce solid foods in addition to breastfeeding when the infant:
- Sits with support and holds his head well
- Shows interest in foods other than milk
- Recognizes the spoon and opens his mouth when offered food
- Accepts the spoon without pushing it with the tongue and swallows food without choking
Recommended Time to Introduce Food Groups
The timing of food introduction in infancy can influence eating habits throughout childhood. Delayed introduction of solid foods can increase the likelihood of food allergies, delay the development of motor skills such as chewing, and reduce the infant's adaptability to new tastes and textures.
| Food Group | Recommended Time of Entry |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Upon completion of the 6th month* |
| Gluten-free cereals (rice flour) | Upon completion of the 6th month* |
| Meat (red and/or white) | Until the end of the 7th month |
| Cereals with gluten | By the end of the 7th month, ideally while the baby continues to breastfeed |
| Eggs and fish | After the above foods are well tolerated, before the child turns 1 year old |
| Yogurt and cheese | After the above foods are well tolerated, before the child turns 1 year old |
| Fresh milk | Upon completion of the 1st year |
*For non-breastfed infants, the introduction of these foods can begin during the 6th month, once they are mature enough to accept solid foods. Consult your pediatrician.
Source: Institute of Preventive, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Prolepsis