Chapter 7 – A Gradual Approach

During the first 6 months of life, breast milk provides the baby with everything needed for healthy growth. After that, iron starts to become deficient. Breast milk isn’t rich in iron and, by this age, the reserves accumulated by the baby during pregnancy are depleted.

The energy provided by milk alone also becomes insufficient to meet the growing child’s needs, even though breast milk becomes richer in fats and calories over time.

Moreover, the baby gradually acquires the ability to sit up independently with good neck control and begins to develop the muscles needed to swallow small amounts of semiliquid food.

This is why, according to the WHO, the right age to start introducing complementary foods is from 6 months onward (10). From 6 to 8 months, WHO guidelines recommend offering 2-3 small meals a day of complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed on demand. Between 8 and 12 months, meals may increase to 3-4 per day, then adding 1-2 snacks a day after the first year.

For safety reasons, the baby should always eat while seated upright, in the presence of an adult. The ideal—and safest—solution is to use a highchair.

A wide and comfortable seat, strictly equipped with safety straps to prevent slipping, an adjustable footrest to grow with the child, and a reclining backrest for comfort and relaxation, makes the highchair the perfect seat for exploring new tastes and textures. Some models are also height-adjustable and come with a removable tray—not only for easy cleaning but also to allow the child to join the family at the table and share mealtime. When choosing the right product, it’s important to consider available space and intended use: if space is not an issue, a fixed model can work; otherwise, a foldable model with wheels is more practical for small spaces.

Some seats are designed to grow with the child and be used through adulthood—not only for mealtimes but also for play, study, and work. A highly recommended option, once the child can sit independently, is a table seat that attaches securely to the table. It gives the child a front-row seat at family meals, letting them observe, touch, and share food with parents. These seats also allow parents more freedom, as mealtimes no longer have to be separate. They also support learning through imitation—children often copy adults or older siblings, using cutlery, cups, and napkins. Eating together is important nutritionally too, as certain foods (like vegetables) that may not be appealing to the child become more desirable when everyone is eating them. A child accustomed to sitting at the table is also more comfortable eating out, for example at restaurants. With a foldable table seat, it’s easier to go out, eat, and enjoy social life—supporting family wellness.

There are also booster seats that attach to regular chairs, available in various styles and materials. For a complete mealtime setup, parents can choose a dedicated feeding set: decorated plates, rounded-tip cutlery (also available in soft versions), and cups with spouts and handles—designed to entertain and stimulate the child, making the transition to complementary feeding more enjoyable.

Once the right tools are in place, the focus can shift to meal preparation. Initially, food should be soft enough for the baby to mash with their tongue against the palate. It should not contain hard chunks like pieces of raw apple or carrot, nor should it crumble in the mouth. Harder textures can gradually be introduced in the following months.

Even at this stage—as during breastfeeding—the child should never be forced to eat when not hungry. It’s essential to respect their individual pace. If the baby dislikes a food, experts recommend not insisting, but trying again the next day or after some time.

As for food choices and quantities, the WHO notes that many local guidelines are overly prescriptive and based more on tradition than scientific evidence. It’s not important to introduce rice before tapioca or chicken before veal, nor to weigh ingredients down to the milligram. What matters is variety, to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients. It’s also difficult to recommend exact portion sizes, as babies should be encouraged to recognize their sense of fullness and are not expected to finish everything on the plate. Nutritional needs change based on growth and milk intake—better to follow the baby’s appetite.

So, no rigid rules, just a few WHO recommendations: include at least one protein- and iron-rich meal each day—whether meat, eggs, or fish—and offer fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A (like broccoli, kale, apricots, melon, peaches, cherries) and vitamin B (such as chicory, spinach, and peas, which should always be mashed).

By one year of age, the child can begin eating what the adults eat, under supervision to reduce choking risks and with moderated salt and sugar intake. Breast milk can still be part of the diet.