For many parents, the first spoonful of carrots is a symbolic milestone – a moment full of hope and equally big questions. When is the right time? Where to start? How should you react when your little one refuses to eat? This stage raises many doubts and can be a source of unnecessary stress.

To help parents navigate this crucial period mindfully and calmly, we spoke with Halina Dudek, a BoboVita expert in infant and toddler nutrition, about the rules, myths, and practical advice on expanding a child's diet.

When to Start? A Key Window of Opportunity

One of the most important questions concerns the timing of introducing new flavors. According to current expert recommendations, there is a precisely defined "window":

"We should begin expanding a child's diet no earlier than 17 weeks of age and no later than 26 weeks," explains Halina Dudek.

For exclusively breastfed babies, the WHO clearly states that breast milk meets all nutritional needs for the first 6 months. Introducing solid foods before the end of the fourth month is not recommended, as the baby's digestive system and kidneys are not yet ready. Starting too late (after the 26th week) may increase the risk of deficiencies (e.g., iron) and problems with accepting new textures.

Vegetables Before Fruit – The Golden Rule of Starting

The order in which foods are introduced is crucial. The key rule is: start with vegetables.

"We are all born with a natural preference for sweet tastes. So if we were to give our baby fruit or porridge first, which they find appealing and pleasant in this taste, it would be much more difficult to introduce vegetables later," explains the expert.

Only after about 1-2 weeks of familiarizing the baby with the taste of vegetables (carrots, broccoli, potatoes) can we introduce fruit – as a supplement to the diet, not a replacement. Then comes the time for grain products (porridges, gruel), and later meat, fish, and eggs.

How to Introduce New Foods? Patience and Observation

Expanding a child's diet is a process that requires time and patience.

• Consistency: Initially, meals should have a smooth, homogenized consistency (purée), similar to what the child has been eating. Gradually, around 7-8 months, introduce lumps to teach the child to bite and chew.
• Amount: Start with small amounts – one or two teaspoons – to allow the child's body to become accustomed to the new food.
• Patience: "A child sometimes needs to be exposed to a particular taste several times before accepting it," reminds Halina Dudek. Don't be discouraged by a grimace after the first spoonful.
• Observation: After introducing a new food, observe the child's reaction. Offer new foods one at a time, every few days, so that in the event of an allergic reaction, the source can be easily identified.

Home Cooking or Ready-Made Meals? Safety First

Many parents face a dilemma: cook their own or use ready-made jarred meals. The expert emphasizes that the quality and safety of the ingredients are crucial.

"Food for infants and young children (...) must meet very strict standards. Its consistency and composition are perfectly matched to the needs of a toddler at this stage of development," says Halina Dudek. These products, labeled with an age indication (e.g., "after 6 months"), are subject to hundreds of quality tests. Standards for pesticides in vegetables and fruits intended for infants, for example, are up to several thousand times stricter than those for adult food. This gives parents the assurance that they are providing their child with a safe, proven, and balanced product.

When a Toddler Won't Eat: A Parent's Golden Rule

One of the greatest frustrations for parents is their child's refusal to eat. What should they do?

"We decide what and when a toddler will eat, but the toddler decides how much" – this is a fundamental principle worth remembering. Never force a child to eat. Let's create a calm atmosphere, free from distractions. Remember that a child's appetite may fluctuate, and reluctance may be caused by teething or a bad day.

An Appeal to Parents: Stress-Free and Patient

Dear Parents, expanding your diet is a fascinating adventure and an important step in building healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.

• Trust the Rules: Stick to the 17-26 week window and start with vegetables.
• Be Patient: Give your child time to become familiar with new tastes and textures.
• Don't Compare: Every child develops at their own pace.
• Focus on Quality: Choose safe and proven products, whether from a trusted source or ready-made meals with age-appropriate labels.
• Enjoy This Time: This isn't a test, but a shared discovery. Your peace of mind and positive attitude are paramount for your child.

This article is based on a conversation with Halina Dudek, BoboVita's expert in infant and toddler nutrition, conducted as part of the Healthy Kids CLUUb.