Important note

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life as the best option for babies. At Nutrino, we believe that breastfeeding is the best gift you can give to your baby. Breast milk not only provides all the nutrients that the baby needs during the first 6 months, but also protects from infections, allergies and strengthens its immunity. Additionally, breastfeeding creates a special, unbreakable bond between mother and child that lasts a lifetime.

As your baby grows, the WHO recommends introducing safe and nutritionally appropriate complementary foods starting at six months, while continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond. If you are using milk formulas, it is important to consult your pediatrician to make the best decision for your baby. The introduction of solid foods should be gradual, tailored to your child’s needs, and always under the guidance of a pediatrician.

Introducing Non-Dairy Foods to Babies – Tips

When you are sure that your baby is mentally and physically ready for solid foods, and you still have enough high-quality milk to breastfeed, we recommend a few steps to make this transition easier.

1. Introduce one meal at a time, and make sure each one is complete.

Which meal you introduce first is up to you. For example, it could be lunch.

Be sure to replace one feeding with one solid meal, so by six months, your baby will have one solid meal. By around eight to nine months, your baby should have at least two meals and one snack, and by one year, three meals and two snacks.

Each of the main meals should include one item from each of the following groups:

  • Carbohydrates (cereals)
  • Vegetables
  • Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, coconut flour, almond/hazelnut/peanut butters, etc.)
  • Protein (meat/fish/eggs/yogurt/cheese or plant-based – chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc.)
  • Fruit

Fruit is easiest to give as a snack, which can be done during walks and/or after an afternoon nap.

To create a complete meal, you can start by introducing foods from one group – any item from one group, and then add an item from the next group every 2-3 days.

Menu for babies aged 6 to 8 months: sample schedule

This way, after about 15 days, you will have a full and very nutritious meal. Continue to introduce one ingredient from each group in order and then mix the introduced foods. This is a very easy way to achieve a diverse diet.

2. Choose a method for introducing solid foods together with your child.

Along with deciding which foods to introduce first, consider how to introduce them (purees, small bites, or a mix).

When it’s time for babies to transition away from purees, more and more parents are practicing “Baby-Led Weaning”—a process where food is cut into small pieces for the baby to explore on their own.

This starts with soft-cooked foods that easily break apart and soft fruits like bananas. Later, you can introduce larger pieces, but the baby always eats with their fingers.

Expect some mess during this transition, as children explore, so be prepared with patience and cleaning supplies. Some parents are concerned with this approach because babies might initially eat small amounts, leading them to worry whether their child is getting enough nutrition.

This has led to the growing popularity of the “mixed method” (BLISS)—where children are given pieces to explore but are also provided with purees and mashed foods to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition.

3. Have fun with purees and mashed foods

If you choose purees and mashed foods, you can still be creative and make interesting combinations. You can mix what you cook yourself with Nutrino purees.

This way, you can offer pumpkin at any time of the year, or serve apple and blueberry or peach with rice as a snack.

After 8 months, when you serve your child a meal, you can also add some spices like cinnamon or cumin. This will open the door to exciting new foods for your child to explore.

Nutrino purees can also be served in their original packaging, as this can be another opportunity for your child to explore. And remember, the best feeding method is one that is safe, filled with trust, and enjoyable for both of you.