The most frequently asked questions regarding the introduction of solid foods in infants

When can we expect new guidelines? 

New recommendations, i.e. new guidelines for the introduction of foods in infants, are being prepared by the National Institute for Public Health. According to new rules, it will no longer be strictly determined when individual foods should be introduced because it has been proven that the early introduction of foods containing ingredients with allergens (gluten, eggs, milk, nuts) is not a cause for the development of celiac disease or allergies. It is still recommended that you exclusively breastfeed children until they are six months old, and then gradually, on the initiative of the child and taking into account their interest, introduce solid foods. Vegetables are still in the first place, which you can combine in small quantities with different cereals, potatoes, ground nuts, eggs... When introducing solid foods to a child with at least one parent who is allergic, i.e. to a child who is a pre-term baby or has certain health issues, and considering the introduction of solid foods, always consult your pediatrician. How and when to start introducing solid foods? What are the best methods? 

Start introducing solid foods when children show interest or signs that the food interests them. The first signs are that they follow the feeding of adults with interest, chomping along, moving their tongue, pointing to food with their hands, saying "Mmm" etc. Signals of this type usually appear around the sixth month (possibly few days before or a week later). Wait for such signals and then investigate. If the child still rejects feeding until the seventh month, try it with a game, the pieces of food that are of different colors and shapes... When introducing food, you also need to take care of how the child is sitting. It is preferable to have them in your arms at the beginning of introducing foods, because that is the most natural position. 

It is recommended to introduce vegetables first, you can gradually add cereals, eggs, meat, fish, and fruit... Some children will refuse vegetables, others meat, do not despair and try several times - kindly and unobtrusively. Do not worry if the child does not eat more than a teaspoon or two in the initial stages of introduction, or spits out the food. It is quite normal. Let them turn the food over, put it in their hands, taste it, throw it and play with it. Give them time to get used to getting to know the food and try it. 

We do not advise any other additional animation during feeding, such as e.g. smart tablets, or phones. TV screens, toys, etc. because all that prevents the child from getting to know food in an authentic manner. 

As for quantity, don't worry about how much the child actually eats, at least as long as you combine the introduction of solid foods with breastfeeding or bottle feeding, because a healthy child will normally gain weight. Do not worry about measuring meals and measuring quantities, rather watch the child and taste the food together. Let the child watch you and see that you are enjoying yourself while feeding. 

What to do if the child refuses food? 

There are several reasons for refusing food. Perhaps the most common is that the child does not know the taste or aroma of the foods you introduce. It is completely natural for them to spit out the food in that case. It takes some time (from 3 to 5 days) for a child to get used to an unfamiliar taste, and it is primarily important that parents do not give up too quickly and allow the child to get to know new tastes. While still in the mother's stomach, the fetus gets used to the aromas of the food the pregnant woman consumes, so we advise all pregnant women to eat healthy and varied food and not be on a diet if there is no need for it. The same applies to mothers who breastfeed because the child gets to know different tastes and aromas through breast milk, which all contribute to the easier introduction of solid foods. Pregnant women should be careful with foods that pose a risk for microbiological infection; these are primarily insufficiently thermally processed foods (danger of microbiological infection – raw milk, eggs, meat). 

Children learn to feed themselves by observing their surroundings. Let the child sit with you at the table and watch you while feeding. If the family prepares meals and consumes food joyfully and deliciously, and primarily in a relaxed manner, sooner or later the child will start to enjoy it as well. 

What is the BLW method - the introduction of solid foods at the child's request? 

Experience shows that the method of feeding on the "child's initiative" (the BLW method), in which food cut into pieces is offered to the child in smaller bites, is recommended, and primarily safe and fun for the child. It is recommended for all children who are healthy and gain body weight normally. The BLW method enables the child to become familiar with different shapes, structures, aromas, colors and smells of food. The little ones get used to chewing, they touch the food themselves and put it in their mouths, they choose the pieces that are interesting, tasty and attractive to them. It encourages motor development and concentration. The child should be observed and not forced to eat. Food should be well boiled at the beginning of introduction and of such a structure that it does not pose a risk for aspiration, i.e. of such a structure that the child can swallow it or spit it out or cough it up. It is considered that an adult should always be present when introducing foods, regardless of the method of introducing foods. 

What is the optimal quantity of food that should be swallowed by a child in one meal? 

If the child is healthy, lively, develops normally and gains body weight normally, we can be sure that they eat as much as is suitable for them and as much as they need. A hungry child is not happy or satisfied because they soon let us know that they need a meal - primarily in the first months of introduction when the child is still being breastfed or drinking milk from a bottle. By monitoring the child’s feelings and reactions before or during feeding, you will know when they have had enough and when they might want more. Even parents do not have all meals equal in quantity. 

How about introducing fat? 

Children use fats very well, they absorb them efficiently and use them as a source of energy. By moving, fats are quickly consumed. Fats of vegetable (oil) and animal origin (butter) are the easiest to add to vegetable purees, thus seasoning and improving their taste. Primarily for children who are not passionate gourmets, you can thus improve and increase the caloric content of meals. The most recommended are cold pressed oils, such as canola oil and walnut oil. These oils are added at the end, when the dish is already cooked (prepared), thus preserving all the important ingredients in oils. For heat treatment when preparing food, use oils intended for this and you can heat them. You can improve the taste of the dish by adding butter or cream. 

How do we introduce foods that contain allergens? 

According to official guidelines valid in Slovenia until their withdrawal, we are a little more careful with the introduction of foods that contain allergens. According to new guidelines that are being prepared and will replace the existing ones once published, you can introduce small amounts of gluten and egg yolks or egg whites, nuts, milk, etc., from the very beginning of the introduction of foods. You will be able to add gluten to vegetable and fruit purees in the amount of a teaspoon, then gradually increase the amount. The amount of cow's milk should not exceed 1 dl per day. You can grind nuts and mix them into purees, you can also add peanut butter. 

In case of a confirmed allergy or sensitivity in parents, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician and, based on their opinion, prepare a plan for the introduction of problematic foods, because there is a possibility that an allergic reaction will also occur in the child, too. 

Can the child eat honey? 

Honey is not introduced or added until one year old in any form, in tea, on a teaspoon, or in purees. There are certain bacteria in honey that can cause botulism and sudden death of the child. 

How much liquid should the child drink? 

A healthy, normally developed child, and primarily an exclusively breastfed child, does not need additional liquid. With the introduction of solid foods, the introduction of liquids also begins. Water or unsweetened tea is recommended. According to new guidelines, excessive addition of fennel or anise tea is not recommended because it contains certain molecules that are difficult for children to metabolize in the liver. It is best to offer liquid from a glass or cup or with a spoon at the beginning. 

Until when is breastfeeding recommended i.e. when to start introducing solid foods? 

We support breastfeeding exclusively until the sixth month, then try to introduce solid foods. Some babies start showing signs of trying something other than breast milk even before six months, and some a little later, and both are normal. Offer food to the child when they are ready for it and do not force the child if they refuse food, just try to properly encourage them to become interested in food.  

How about the introduction of meat? What are the recommendations regarding vegan diet? 

You can introduce meat almost immediately or shortly after the first flavors of vegetables. The meat of young animals is introduced because the meat has less accumulated harmful substances (heavy metals). Ground beef, rabbit, chicken, later beef and fish, and finally pork. 

If parents want to feed their child without meat, we recommend consulting a pediatrician. A vegan diet is normally not recommended for all children under the age of 18, and only the so-called lacto-vegetarian diet is allowed. 

How about spices? 

We do not recommend spicy food. Do not introduce salt or sugar until the 1st year. 

What about gluten and the introduction of grains? 

According to new guidelines, you add foods with gluten in minimal quantities right at the beginning, and then the amount of gluten, i.e. products containing gluten, gradually increases. 

What is an appropriate afternoon snack for the child? 

The most complete possible meal: cereals combined with cottage cheese, yogurt, as well as meat, eggs, whatever the child likes and what you like too. 

The child rejects vegetables, what to do? 

First of all, you should check with the parents if they eat it, how they prepare it and how happy they are to consume it? If you have a garden at home, include your child in the preparation of vegetables (picking vegetables in the garden, washing, cutting, cooking), let them watch you and then eat a vegetable meal. Season it deliciously with vegetable oils or butter. Make it colorful, put together an interesting picture, let the child try it with their hands. 

What are recommendations regarding herbal drinks (rice, oat milk)? 

Herbal drinks during the introduction process are not recommended. The drinks are sweet and do not reach the caloric value of breast milk or milk formula. Rice is also problematic because it can contain traces of arsenic, which remains in the soil or in the rice as a result of spraying the rice fields. The same applies to soy, primarily feeding boys with these drinks is not recommended due to possible phytoestrogen content - 

Watch the video interview with Egen Benedik, assistant professor on Frutek Facebook page.