Individual feeding needs vary. Prematurity, growth concerns, allergies, feeding difficulty and medical conditions can change the plan. Use a pediatrician or qualified nutrition professional for individual advice.

Birth to about six months

WHO and UNICEF recommend starting breastfeeding within the first hour after birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. “Exclusive” means no other food or drink, including water, except when medically indicated.

Around six months: complementary foods begin

At around six months, breast milk alone no longer meets all energy and nutrient needs. WHO recommends introducing safe, adequate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding up to two years or beyond.

Think progression, not perfection. Start with small amounts and gradually increase quantity, consistency and variety as the child grows and develops feeding skills.

What a useful feeding pattern looks like

  • Offer foods with increasing variety and appropriate texture.
  • Use responsive feeding: notice hunger and fullness cues rather than forcing food.
  • Keep hands, utensils, preparation surfaces and stored food clean.
  • Continue breastfeeding during illness and offer fluids and familiar soft foods as tolerated.
  • Avoid making sweetened drinks or highly processed foods the default.

Meal frequency changes with age

WHO guidance describes two to three meals a day for many infants aged 6–8 months, increasing to three to four meals a day for children aged 9–23 months, with nutritious snacks as needed. Appetite varies; the overall pattern and growth are more useful than forcing a fixed amount at each meal.

When to ask for help

Talk to a pediatrician if feeding is persistently difficult, the child coughs or chokes with feeds, growth is a concern, there are suspected food reactions, the child has very limited intake, or illness is affecting feeding and hydration.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Infant and young child feeding.
  2. World Health Organization. WHO Guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6–23 months of age.