General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes WHO complementary-feeding information and does not provide an individualized feeding plan.
Why does food consistency change during complementary feeding?
WHO says food consistency and variety should increase gradually as infants get older, adapting to their developing requirements and abilities.
What textures does WHO describe in the early complementary-feeding period?
WHO describes pureed, mashed and semi-solid foods from around the beginning of complementary feeding. Its public information also describes thick porridge and well-mashed foods for younger infants in this period.
When do more textured foods appear in WHO information?
WHO notes that many infants can handle foods they can pick up themselves as feeding abilities develop, and later progress toward family foods that may be chopped or mashed when necessary.
Why is this presented as a progression rather than a fixed menu?
WHO links food consistency to age and abilities. The purpose of the public-health description is to show a developmental progression rather than to prescribe the same meal or texture for every child.
Feeding ability varies. This page does not assess swallowing, oral-motor development, allergy risk or an individual child’s nutritional needs.
References
- World Health Organization. Complementary feeding.
- World Health Organization. Child health: recommended food for the very early years.