Patient's question:
Yesterday, I saw a mom who said her baby, who was exclusively breastfed, started eating rice cereal at four and a half months to exercise their swallowing ability. Adding too late is not good... Could you please explain why pure breastfeeding is recommended to be supplemented at six months? Is there any saying?Doctor's answer:
The iron stored in an infant's body can only be used for three to four months, while the iron in breast milk and cow's milk can only be absorbed in small amounts, completely unable to support their body. Therefore, supplementary foods are needed to make up for the deficiency. For example, foods like scrambled eggs, spinach puree, and chicken liver puree. If supplementary foods are not added in time, it may lead to anemia and other issues. Infants will add supplementary foods because they need an essential substance: iron. Additionally, getting more rest can also improve absorption.