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Properly composing a diet during the first years of life is crucial for the proper development of a young organism. Unfortunately, there are many inaccuracies related to expanding a child's diet, which can mislead caregivers. With the help of Mariola Darzycka, a BoboVita expert, we dispel popular myths and provide reliable information on nutrition for young children.

A baby should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life.

TRUE. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life.[1] Breast milk fully meets an infant's needs for all essential nutrients, ensuring proper development in the first six months of life.[2] It's worth continuing breastfeeding into the second six months of life and beyond, while also diversifying the diet. If breastfeeding is not possible, the mother should choose (in consultation with a pediatrician) an appropriately adapted follow-on formula (in the second six months of the child's life) or a nutritious milk-based formula (after the first year of life).

Weaning should occur no earlier than 17 weeks of age (beginning of the 5th month) and no later than 26 weeks (beginning of the 7th month)[3]. During this period, most infants mature in their ability to eat solid foods. They also acquire the ability to sit with support and achieve neuromuscular maturity allowing them to control head and neck movements and eat from a spoon[4]

The order in which new food textures are introduced does not matter.

MYTH. In the first year of life, a child's ability to bite and chew develops rapidly. Acceptance of foods with a consistency other than liquid develops as oral skills develop[5]. Children reject foods that are difficult to chew or crush. This is why solid foods should be introduced gradually – starting with those with a smooth consistency (purees, mashed foods), and over time (around the 8th month) moving on to foods with larger particles given to them for independent feeding – so that by the end of the 12th month, the child can eat foods of any consistency[6].

Due to the difficulty in accepting the taste of vegetables, these foods (especially greens) should be introduced to an infant's diet first. It's best to introduce your baby to the taste of fruit about two weeks later, while continuing to offer vegetables. Remember that the type of food, its consistency, and the feeding method should be appropriate for the child's age and developmental skills.

During the expansion phase of your diet, you should avoid certain food groups, such as eggs, fish and gluten.

MYTH: Unless there are medical indications, entire food groups should not be eliminated from an infant's diet. Whole eggs can be introduced into a child's diet – there's no need to separate the white from the yolk. The consistency of the food should be adapted to the age and abilities of the child. If an infant is around 6 months old, boiling and blending the egg will make it easier for them to eat it. For an older child, say, 8 months old, the egg can be served in slightly larger pieces. However, always remember to cook the egg well – the optimal cooking time is 10-15 minutes. In the case of gluten (according to the EFSA position), it can be introduced into a child's diet at the same time as other complementary foods – from the age of 4 to 12 months[7]. Fish can also be included in an infant's diet – in small quantities, no more than 1-2 times a week, while observing the child's reaction. However, remember to avoid feeding predatory fish such as tuna, swordfish, shark, king mackerel or tilefish[8].

Introducing a variety of foods into your child's diet helps them accept different tastes and develop healthy eating habits. When expanding their diet, always monitor your baby's reaction to new foods.

Children on a vegetarian and vegan diet are not at risk of nutrient deficiencies

MYTH. All infants and young children fed any variety of vegetarian diet require specialist advice and appropriate supplementation. Vegan diets pose the greatest risk of nutrient deficiencies, including iron, zinc, calcium, vitamins B12, B2, A, and D, as well as DHA and protein[9]. Lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets are deficient in iron, zinc, vitamin D, DHA, and protein[10].

Products designed specifically for babies and toddlers with age indication on the packaging support proper nutrition and development of the youngest

TRUTH. Products designed specifically for infants and young children, which have an age indication on the packaging (e.g., after 6 months), meet exceptionally strict standards by law, and their composition and consistency are tailored to the needs of a child at a specific stage of development. BoboVita dinners and porridges are an example of such food. Their quality is 100% confirmed – their ingredients undergo hundreds of quality and safety tests. They have a simple composition – they are free from unnecessary additives[11] and contain 100% natural ingredients. The dinners contain meat, 100% antibiotic residues, and also contain ALA for healthy brain development[12]. A serving of porridge, in turn, is a complete meal[13] perfect for a baby for breakfast or dinner. It's worth choosing such products because they are safe and diverse, supporting good eating habits, which are formed from an early age and impact a child's future health.

Important information: It is recommended to continue breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods. Breastfeeding should continue for as long as desired by both mother and baby. Breastfeeding is best for the baby.

[1] World Health Organization, Infant and young child feeding, 2009.[2] Fewtrell M, Bronsky J, Campoy C i wsp. Complementary Feeding: A Position Paper by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017; 64:119-132.
[2] Fewtrell M, Bronsky J, Campoy C i wsp. Complementary Feeding: A Position Paper by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017; 64:119-132.
[3] Szajewska H. et al., Principles of feeding healthy infants. Position of the Polish Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Medical Standards/Pediatrics 2021, Vol. 18.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Carruth BR, Skinner JD. Feeding behaviors and other motor development in healthy children (2-24 months). J Am Coll Nutr 2002; 21:88-96.
[6] „Guiding principles for complementary feeding of the breastfed child”. WHO2003. https://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guiding_principles_compfeeding_breastfed.pdf
[7] Castenmiller J, de Henauw S, Hirsch-Ernst K i wsp.; EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens). Scientific Opinion on the appropriate age range for introduction of complementary feeding into an infant’s diet. EFSA J 2019;17:5780.
[8] Szajewska H. et al., Principles of feeding healthy infants. Position of the Polish Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Medical Standards/Pediatrics 2021, Vol. 18.
[9] Fewtrell M, Bronsky J, Campoy C i wsp. Complementary Feeding: A Position Paper by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017; 64:119-132.
[10] Ibid.
[11] In accordance with legal regulations, food for infants and young children, including BoboVita products, does not contain preservatives, dyes or flavor enhancers.
[12] Applies to those BoboVita meals which, according to the information on the label, contain ALA acid for proper brain development.
[13] A portion of porridge, prepared as described on the packaging, constitutes a complete meal.