Question
How do you introduce complementary foods for an 8-month-old baby?
Answer
When introducing complementary foods for an 8-month-old baby, it is important to follow the progressive principles of starting with small amounts, thin to thick, soft to hard, and from simple to diverse. Infants from 15 days to 1 month old should supplement vitamins A and D, with a daily intake of vitamin D at 400 international units. Babies from 1 to 3 months old can begin feeding on juices and vegetable water, gradually increasing the intake. Formula-fed infants require additional water, which can be provided starting from half a month after birth. Babies from 4 to 6 months old deplete their iron stores, so they should introduce complementary foods rich in iron and starches, such as congee, egg yolks, and vegetable purees. It’s okay to add a small amount of oil to the food, and the intake of egg yolks can be gradually increased.