Readiness signals

Up to six months :

It is consensual on the part of the World, European and Portuguese Nutrition Commissions that during the first six months of life the best food for babies is, without a doubt, breast milk and that this can be offered exclusively throughout their first semester of life. life.

From the introduction of food, breastfeeding can and should continue alongside dietary diversification and until 12-24 months.

If the mother chooses not to breastfeed, this is not possible or breast milk becomes insufficient, the diet must remain exclusively milk-based for up to 6 months, using as a complement or replacement an infant formula, whose composition is designed to come as close as possible to that of human milk.

From 6 months:

Usually, around 6 months, babies begin to show “signs of readiness”, which means that they are ready to start introducing food.

Signs of readiness are:

• Sitting: The baby can sit with minimal support
• Holding the neck: The baby can hold the neck (the head does not fall forward)
• Coordination: The baby has good eye-hands-mouth coordination. It means he sees an object, can grab it with his hand and bring it to his mouth
• Interest: The baby shows interest in adult food
• Protrusion reflex: Decreased tongue protrusion reflex

Once the signs of readiness have been identified, the baby is ready to begin his dietary diversification.

There are three main methods of introducing food:

- conventional method

- baby-led weaning

- mixed introduction

Each family must evaluate with their pediatrician and nutritionist which form of food introduction best suits their family and lifestyle.

Author: Dr. Daniela Amaral

General Pediatrician and Pediatric Endocrinologist