Expert Irina Chistova, who specializes in breastfeeding and supplementary feeding, answered parents' questions about how to properly offer additional food to infants, how to introduce children to allergenic products, and why one should not distract a child with toys during meals.
Introducing complementary foods is an important stage in a child's life; however, according to the specialist, parents often make mistakes during this period that can affect the child's future eating habits.
Chistova notes that there are specific signs indicating readiness for introducing supplementary nutrition. These include the child's ability to sit independently, meaning maintaining their body posture, as well as showing interest in various types of food, such as attempting to take an item from the mother's spoon.
When starting complementary feeding, the specialist advises avoiding meat products prepared by frying or stewing, as well as those that have not undergone proper thermal processing. It is necessary to start with small portions of unsalted, boiled vegetables and cereal products.
Furthermore, Chistova emphasized that one should not force a child to eat and discussed in detail issues regarding the age at which potentially allergenic products, such as eggs, fish, and nuts, can be introduced. The specialist also provided detailed information on foods that are not recommended for children before a certain age, including honey and homemade preserves.