As an infant's age and growth increases, so do their nutritional requirements. The exclusive diet of breastfeeding or formula 1 from birth onwards, does not satisfy an infant's increasing hunger. The gradual feeding of a so called supplementary food phase begins predominantly as of the 4th month and continues through to the beginning of the second year with food which is eaten by the family. Because every child develops individually and becomes ready to acquire a liking to certain meals at an early age, differences in overall diet plans are completely normal.
The individual behaviour of a baby influences their energy requirements and therefore influences their desired meal servings. Lively children need more energy than passive babies and therefore require more frequent and larger meal servings. The Holle food plan has been designed according to guidelines given by the Nutritional Research Institute for Children in Dortmund, Germany and should act as a support for the nutrition of your child.
Breastfeeding / Bottle feeding
Important Advice!
You should continue to breastfeed after 4 months, as breastfeeding is ideal for your baby. Breast milk provides your baby with the optimal, nutrients it requires during the developmental process. Breast milk contains a large amount of important nutrients, such as those needed for immunity and the development of the immune system. These play an important role in the development and growth of a baby. Therefore, Holle recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first 4-6 months. In the case of your child needing a replacement formula, or if breastfeeding cannot take place, talk to your children's doctor or Early Childhood Centre.
In case you cannot breastfeed or cannot completely breastfeed, you can replace feeding with Holle Organic Infant Formulas or through the use of Holle grain porridges in combination with fresh milk or formula.
In case you cannot use fresh milk during the first few months, for crossing over from breast milk to the first bottle, we recommend the protein based Holle Organic Infant Formula 1. For children who are cow milk intolerant or who have an increased allergy risk, a specialised nourishment is required and Holle Organic Infant Formula 1 is not recommended. Please consult your children's doctor about this topic. Infants who have been fully breastfed for longer than 5 months should also start with the protein adapted Holle Organic Infant Formula 1, before changing to the Holle Organic Infant Follow-On Formula 2. The Infant Formula 1 is protein adapted and does not contain any starch, therefore is easily digestible. This can be used till the end of 12 months.
In the case of your infant being nourished with a Formula 1 during the first 6 months, and not becoming fully satisfied, after 6 months of age, the more hunger satisfying Holle Organic Infant Follow-On Formula 2 may be used.
Grain porridges
According to the growing energy requirements of a baby, nutrients and supplementary food are introduced in monthly intervals of vegetable, milk and fruit porridge meals. These gradually replace breastfeeding or bottle feeds.
The first solid meal after 4 months
The first meal which is not liquid, should be a vegetable meal. This then replaces the lunchtime breastfeeding or bottle feed. Carrots are recommended because they are mild and very digestible.
The next vegetable meals
Should the carrot meals agree well with your baby during the first 2 weeks, the pure carrot meal should be replaced with a carrot-potato mix. The lunchtime vegetable meal can be complemented with the use of a Holle grain porridge to create a wholesome meal.
