Complementary feeding

Complementary feeding, also called weaning, is the process of changing from a milk-based diet to one made up of a variety of foods and drinks that complement the milk feed.

It is a gradual process whereby an infant learns firstly to move food to the back of the mouth and swallow, then gradually learns to appreciate new and various tastes and textures, before moving on to chewing larger lumps of foods.  Ultimately the process results in a pattern of eating similar to the rest of the family.

The UKs Department of Health recommends weaning at the age of 6 months.  Recent reviews by EFSA and ESPHGAN (discussed in the 'News and Views' section) have suggested that, as each child is an individual, the appropriate age for weaning will vary.  They advise that weaning should not begin before 17 weeks of age and should begin no later than 6 months of age.

Complementary foods include those prepared at home and a range of commercially prepared foods that have been specially developed to meet the needs of infants.  There are different categories of prepared weaning foods to meet the nutritional and developmental requirements of the different stages of weaning. 

Legislation governs the composition of foods for infants and young children under the age of three.