Introduction
Around six months, breast milk alone is no longer enough to meet your baby's growing needs. This is when complementary foods begin — alongside continued breastfeeding, not instead of it.
When to start
Most babies are ready at about six months, when they can sit with support, hold their head steady, and show interest in food. Starting much earlier or much later both carry risks, so aim for around the six-month mark.
What to feed
Begin with soft, mashed home foods — well-cooked lentils, rice, potato, seasonal vegetables and fruit. Add an egg, dahi (curd), meat or fish if available. A spoon or two of oil or ghee in each meal adds energy. Make foods thick enough to stay on a spoon rather than watery.
How much and how often
Following UNICEF and WHO guidance, offer soft food about a katori (around 100 ml) four times a day by 6 to 8 months, increasing the amount and variety as your baby grows. Let your baby's appetite guide you, and be patient — new tastes take time.
Food safety
Wash hands and utensils. Feed freshly prepared food and avoid storing leftovers for long. Use clean, boiled water. Avoid added sugar, salt and honey in the first year, and avoid hard, round foods that can choke.
Make mealtimes positive
Eat together, talk and encourage. Expect mess — it is part of learning. Continue breastfeeding on demand through the first two years and beyond.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Ask your health worker about feeding if your baby is unwell or not gaining weight.
See age-by-age guidance for your baby with BabyCo's free tools.
Helpful links for parents
Buy soft baby diaper online | Why BabyCo is best diaper in Nepal | Use BabyCo size finder to get the perfect fit. | Plan monthly diaper packs | Find stores in Nepal
