What Is the Right Nutrition, And What Should I Feed My Infant?

Your doctor advised you to exclusively feed breastmilk to your baby for the first 6 months of their life, and you have been following this advice religiously. Breastmilk provides complete nutrition, supports immunity, and builds a strong foundation for growth and development in those crucial early months.

Breastfeeding only (no other food or water) for the first 6 months is best for your baby, as mother’s milk has all the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development. It is easy to digest and protects your baby from diarrhea, cough, cold, and other infections. It also supports brain development and learning. The thick yellow milk that comes in the first few days after birth is called colostrum. Colostrum works like your baby’s first vaccine, as it is rich in protective factors that build immunity and help the baby’s stomach and intestine develop properly.¹

However, you might be wondering, when is the right time to start foods other than milk?

As your baby grows, so do their nutritional needs. Starting solids before 6 months is not recommended, as your baby’s tummy is not ready, and it may lead to digestive issues like diarrhea or reduce breastmilk intake.^{2, 3}

At the same time, delaying solids beyond 6 months can lead to nutrient deficiencies and slow feeding skill development. Breastmilk alone is not sufficient to provide all the energy and nutrients, especially proteins, needed at this stage.

By 6 months, your baby is usually ready. They can sit with support, may start teething, and are able to digest soft foods.4,5,6 This is the perfect time to introduce complementary foods along with continued breastfeeding to support their rapid growth and development.

Why Is Protein So Crucial in the Early Months?

Your baby’s first smiles, head lifts, crawls, and tiny steps are all exciting milestones, and each one reflects healthy growth of muscles, bones, and brain. Behind these big moments is good nutrition, and protein plays a key role.

• Protein provides essential amino acids that support muscle growth, brain development, and immunity. It helps your baby build strength and reach milestones on time. On the other hand, not getting enough protein may slow down your baby’s development.⁷

So, What Should You Feed Your Baby During the First Year?

Here’s a simple guide of feeding recommendations to help you provide adequate protein at every stage in the first year (0–12 Months)¹⁰

• 0–6 Months: Babies at this age need approximately 8g/day protein, best met through exclusive breastfeeding. In case alternative milk is to be used, a whey predominant protein composition is important.^8,9,10,11
• 6–9 Months: Along with breast/supplementary feeding, introduce protein-rich semisolids (lentils, mashed vegetables, porridge, puréed meat, egg yolk, soft fish).^10,11
• 9–12 Months: Continue milk feeds while adding plant proteins (lentils, chickpeas, peas, soybeans) and animal sources (eggs, fish), encouraging self-feeding with protein-rich finger foods like cheese cubes, soft meats, and lentil patties.^10,12

Even though this new journey of introducing solid foods to your baby looks confusing and messy at times, it is an important part of your baby’s growth and development. Stay excited for new learnings and to try new foods and textures while you help your baby to form lifelong healthy habits.