Breast milk contains essential nutrients that adequately meet an infant’s nutritional needs, thereby supporting healthy growth and optimal development. Upon reaching 180 days of age, the introduction of complementary foods becomes necessary to meet the infant’s increased requirements for iron and other nutrients that are no longer sufficiently provided by breast milk alone, while emphasizing the importance of continued breastfeeding for up to two years.

An infant’s readiness to commence complementary feeding can be assessed through several indicators, including full head and trunk control that is present when the infant is able to sit by itself without any support, coordinated of tongue pressure and jaw movement in chewing, interest in observing adults during meals, and the ability to bring food to the mouth, retain it, and attempt chewing.

A balanced and varied diet should be offered, incorporating proteins to support muscle development, carbohydrates as a primary energy source, fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, in addition to sufficient water consumption.