Feeding Order for a 6-Month-Old Infant
For a 6-month-old infant, breast milk or formula should be offered first, followed by complementary solid foods. 1
Primary Nutrition Source at 6 Months
- Breast milk or formula remains the primary nutrition source throughout the first year of life, even as solid foods are introduced. 1
- The World Health Organization and AAP recommend exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months, after which complementary foods should be introduced while continuing breastfeeding. 2
- At 6 months, solid foods are intended to "complement" ongoing breastfeeding or formula feeding, not replace it. 3
Recommended Feeding Sequence
- Always offer breast milk or formula first at each feeding, then follow with solid foods. 1
- This sequence ensures the infant receives adequate calories, protein, fat, and essential nutrients from breast milk or formula, which continues to provide substantial amounts of key nutrients well beyond the first year. 4
- Complementary foods offered before breast milk or formula may displace these critical nutrient sources and lead to inadequate intake. 4
Starting Complementary Foods at 6 Months
- Begin with iron-rich foods as the priority, since the infant's iron stores from birth are now depleted at 6 months. 1
- Iron-fortified infant cereals, pureed meats (beef, lamb, chicken, fish), and iron-rich vegetables are appropriate first foods. 1
- Initial amounts should be 1-2 teaspoons per feeding, offered 2-3 times per day at 6-8 months. 1
Critical Feeding Principles
- Breast milk or formula should never be replaced by complementary foods at this age—the infant needs both for optimal nutrition. 1, 4
- Breastfeeding frequency of 3-5 feedings per 24 hours is typical at 6 months, and this should continue alongside solid food introduction. 1
- Avoid giving excessive juice, as it can displace more nutritious breast milk or formula and contribute to inadequate nutrient intake. 2, 4
Common Pitfall to Avoid
The most critical error is offering solid foods first or allowing them to replace breast milk/formula feedings. This can lead to inadequate intake of protein, fat, calcium, and other essential nutrients that are primarily obtained from breast milk or formula at this age. 4 Complementary foods at 6 months are meant to add nutrients (especially iron and zinc) that become limiting, not to serve as the primary calorie source. 4