A New Chapter: Not the End of Breastfeeding
Starting complementary foods is an exciting milestone. It can also bring a surprising number of questions.
Is my baby ready?
How much should my baby eat?
Should I breastfeed before or after solids?
What if my baby just plays with the food?
And perhaps most importantly: Does starting solids mean my baby should breastfeed less?
The answer to that last question is important:
Complementary foods are meant to complement breastfeeding not suddenly replace it.
Think of this stage as an expansion of your baby’s feeding world. Your baby is adding new tastes, textures, smells, skills, and experiences while breastfeeding continues to provide nutrition, comfort, connection, and regulation.
This is a transition, not a switch.
What Does “Complementary Feeding” Mean?
The word complementary is intentional.
These first foods are being added alongside breastmilk. In the early months of complementary feeding, your baby is learning as much as eating.
Food provides opportunities to:
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Experience new tastes and smells
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Explore different textures
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Develop oral-motor skills
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Practice bringing food to the mouth
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Learn to chew and manipulate food
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Participate in family meals
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Begin receiving increasing amounts of nutrients from foods
Breastmilk continues to be an important source of nutrition throughout this transition.
There is no need to rush your baby from breastfeeding to meals.
Is My Baby Ready?
Rather than looking only at the calendar, look at your baby.
Readiness for complementary foods is developmental.
Signs that your baby may be ready include:
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Sitting upright with minimal support
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Good head and neck control
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Bringing hands and objects to the mouth
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Less tongue-thrusting of objects or food out of the mouth
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Reaching for or showing interest in food
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Watching others eat with curiosity
Babies do not all reach these milestones on exactly the same day.
Readiness matters more than rushing.