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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n For safety reasons, the baby should always eat while seated upright,<\/strong> in the presence of an adult. The ideal\u2014and safest\u2014solution is to use a highchair<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 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\u2014not 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Some seats are designed to grow with the child and be used through adulthood\u2014not 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\u2014children 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\u2014supporting family wellness<\/em>.<\/p>\n\t\t