Weaning period The period of weaning is critical for the future development and growth of infants.

From about 6 months of age, breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to cover a baby’s nutritional requirements. He or she can also start to swallow non-liquid complementary foods at this stage, helping to support growth, brain development and the building of natural defences. The period of weaning is critical for the future development and growth of infants.

According to the World Health Organisation, the incidence of malnutrition rises sharply during the period from 6 to 18 months of age in most countries, and the deficits acquired at this age are difficult to compensate for later in childhood.

Nestlé supports the World Health Organisation's recommendation that appropriate complementary feeding start from the age of six months with continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond. Learn more about WHO’s recommendations with regards to complementary feeding.

Malnutrition is a result of inappropriate feeding practices and leads to the most common deficiencies in the diet of vitamin A, iodine, iron and zinc. Malnutrition and its consequences are a common cause of excess morbidity and mortality in young children, especially in developing countries. Complementary feeding practices may be inadequate in terms of the quality and quantity of the food given, as well as the timing of introduction of semi-solid aand solid foods (being either too early or too late).

Nestlé is committed in ensuring optimal infant nutrition for infants from 6 months of age by making sure that our infant formulas and complementary foods are tailored to adapt to a baby’s specific nutritional needs at different stages of development. Learn more about the nutritional needs of babies at different stages.