Master, Doctor Hoang Thi Hang, from the Nutrition Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, states that proper complementary feeding supports a child's physical development. A lack of knowledge or misunderstanding the appropriate timing can lead to unsuitable diets, causing children to develop slowly for their age.

Introducing solids too early or too late

One common mistake is introducing solids before six months of age. At this stage, a baby's digestive system is immature and not fully developed to digest foods other than milk. This can lead to digestive disorders, vomiting, and an increased risk of food allergies. Babies starting solids too early may also experience prolonged diarrhea, micronutrient deficiencies, and malnutrition.

Conversely, parents who introduce solids after seven to eight months risk their children developing a preference for only milk, missing the "golden" period for learning chewing and swallowing skills. Delaying solids can lead to nutritional deficiencies, failing to provide essential micronutrients like iron and zinc, which may result in anemia and stunting.

Maintaining pureed foods for too long

Many parents maintain pureed foods for too long, fearing their child might choke or vomit. However, children who only eat pureed porridge may become picky eaters, struggle to chew, and find it difficult to adapt to solid foods. Doctor Hang advises preparing complementary foods according to a child's chewing skill development stages. Children six months old can eat soup, at nine months they can start eating porridge, and one-year-olds should practice eating mashed rice.

Children nine months old should eat lumpy porridge, rather than soup or pureed porridge. *Thanh Ba*

Forcing children to eat

Many parents turn mealtimes into a "battle" by forcing children to finish their portions. This coercion makes children fearful and disinterested, potentially leading to eating disorders over time. Doctor Hang advises parents to establish proper complementary feeding habits. This includes understanding a child's hunger and fullness cues, and choosing methods that suit their preferences. Children need to eat on time and focus, sitting in a high chair, with diverse dishes prepared. Meals should take place in a comfortable atmosphere, lasting no more than 30 minutes.

Adding seasoning too early

Children under one year old do not need seasoning. Natural foods like vegetables, meat, and fish have their own flavors, which are sufficient for babies to get acquainted with. After one year old, parents can let children try family meals but should still limit overly salty or sweet seasonings. A child's kidneys are not fully developed before one year old; early salt intake can burden them, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and metabolic disorders later in life.

Lack of food diversity

A diet lacking diverse foods means children do not get enough important micronutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3. These nutrients directly affect a child's height, weight, and intelligence. Parents should create diverse menus, combining all four food groups: carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, corn), protein (meat, fish, eggs, milk), fats (balancing vegetable oil and animal fat), and vitamins and minerals (green vegetables, fruits). Meals should vary throughout the day and week.

Giving too little water or too much fruit juice

During complementary feeding, a child's water needs increase. Children who do not drink enough water can easily become constipated. Conversely, some parents give their children too much fruit juice instead of plain water. This leads to excessive sugar intake, increasing the risk of obesity and tooth decay. Children from six months old can drink additional plain water and fruit juice. Once a baby chews well, parents can introduce whole pieces of fruit.

Using processed foods

Pre-made complementary foods are convenient and save parents time. However, over-reliance on them can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Jarred foods often contain preservatives and are low in fiber and vitamins. Parents should prioritize cooking meals from fresh ingredients and ensure a diverse diet.

Not monitoring a child's development

Regular monitoring of a child's weight and height is crucial. If a child is not growing according to standards or is at risk of being overweight or obese, they should be examined by a nutrition doctor for advice.

*Thanh Ba*