Complementary feeding for infants 6 to 12 months

Complementary feeding, also known as weaning, mixed feeding or introduction of solid foods, should begin for infants by six months of age (26 weeks) but not before 17 weeks. Breast milk or infant formula should continue during the complementary feeding period with amounts gradually reduced as the variety of foods increases. As all infants' needs are different, health care professionals have to be aware of key nutrients and foods needed at the same time as monitoring growth and understanding the needs of parents and the resources available to them.