How to introduce complementary foods for a six-month-old baby?

When introducing complementary foods to a six-month-old baby, start with a single grain food, such as iron-rich infant rice cereal. The cereal can be mixed with warm water into a paste. At the beginning, offer only a small amount and gradually increase it. Later, pureed vegetables, fruit purees, and other foods can be added gradually. Each time, introduce only one new food and observe the baby for 2–3 days to check for any allergic reactions, such as rashes, vomiting, or diarrhea.

The texture of complementary foods should progress from thin to thick, gradually transitioning to pureed and semi-solid forms. Complementary foods are generally best introduced between two breastfeeding or bottle-feeding sessions when the baby is relatively hungry, making it easier for them to accept new foods.

During the process of introducing complementary foods, it is important to maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the food and promptly clean and disinfect feeding utensils. Additionally, do not reduce the baby's milk intake due to the introduction of complementary foods, as milk should remain the primary source of nutrition for the baby during the first year of life.

If the baby experiences any discomfort or abnormal reactions during the introduction of complementary foods, stop feeding that particular food immediately and consult a doctor for advice.