FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ADVICE ON SUPPLEMENTATION WHAT IS A SUPPLEMENT? Supplementation represents the introduction of new food products into the baby's diet, which are not breast milk or milk preparations for babies (cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish...). The transitional period from only dairy products to the usual diet as for other family members is also considered a supplement. WHEN IS THE MAINTENANCE INTRODUCED? Complementary food is introduced between the 4th and 6th months of a child's life, when the diet with breast milk or milk preparations for babies is not enough to satisfy the increased nutritional and energy needs of the baby. It is not recommended to introduce complementary foods before the 4th month, because the baby's digestive system is not developed enough to digest such food. Premature introduction of complementary foods can increase the risk of allergic reactions to food, and it can also lead to premature rejection of breast milk or milk preparations for babies. Also, if complementary foods are introduced too late (after the 6th month of life), complaints and resistance in accepting new foods are possible. HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT THE CHILD IS READY FOR SUPPORT? Your baby: - sits with a support - holds his head independently and turns it to the side - loses the reflex that automatically pushes food through his mouth with his tongue - swallows food that is not liquid - opens his mouth when a spoon comes near his mouth - turns head away when not hungry - shows great interest in food.