How much porridge, how much milk?

From the 7th month of life it is customary to offer your child other foods such as porridge and solid food in addition to milk. If your baby is curious and would like to try new things, then you shouldn’t deny him, but let him try it, in bite-sized pieces of course. It should only be soft food that your baby can easily swallow. After all, it doesn’t have teeth to chew food yet.

Nevertheless, milk is still the basis for your baby’s nutrition, because it provides important vitamins and nutrients. Calcium is contained in milk and it is essential for building bones. You can therefore continue to breastfeed your child despite the introduction of complementary food, give him pumped breast milk or switch to formula now.

Tip: A nutrition plan and height-weight curves for girls and boys can give you an orientation when it comes to nutrition.

How do I start solid food?

At around eight months, your child will be able to eat solid food in the form of chopped, boiled potatoes or vegetables. Your child should learn that there is not only food to swallow. As teeth begin to erupt, your baby likes foods to chew on. Therefore, offer your child softer pieces of fruit and cucumber sticks from time to time. But be careful not to choke on it.

You should be careful not to expand the menu too quickly. Your child needs a few days to get used to new foods. It is best if you introduce new food gradually, for example one new food per week. Observe whether incompatibilities are noticeable. You can find porridge recipes and more tips about supplementary food in our supplementary food special.

Tip: Avoid exotic fruits in the first few months. Some varieties may be contaminated with pollutants. Also, the risk of an allergic reaction is higher. But bananas are fine, as are organic fruits and vegetables.

Are whole grain products useful?

Whole grain porridges provide your child with valuable nutrients. However, you should note the age and quantity information provided by the manufacturer. Your child can also get finely ground pieces of wholemeal bread. Porridge with pithy oatmeal is also fine. However, it is too early for whole grains and raw grains in any form, such as in muesli. This is difficult to digest and your child can get intestinal problems from it.

It can be mashed

Your baby does not just eat to quench his hunger or thirst. Your baby is also interested in experimenting, not only with his mouth but also with his hands. It wants to know how the food feels. It wants to know what happens when it slaps its hands in the porridge or snorts its milk at you. Enjoy your child’s great experiences. You can wash clothes and wipe furniture.