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 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.

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. Due to the individual behaviour of the baby, some baby's need more energy than others. In this case you should use the Infant Growing-up Milk 3 but not before the age of 8 months.

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 solid food in your baby's life should be a vegetable meal. Carrots are sweet and mild and probably the best vegetable for the first meal. Alternatively, you can also start with Parsnip or Pumpkin & Rice. Sstart feeding some spoonfuls of carrot and let your baby eat as much as he wants. We recommend adding 2 teaspoons of sunflower oil for 1 jar of 190 grams. Use a small plastic spoon to feed your baby in order to make it easier to get used to your feeding.

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The next solid meals

It is important to introduce new food once at a time in order to be able to check the reactions of your baby towards the main ingredient. If your baby tolerates the carrot meal you can proceed with carrots and potatoes. In this way you can introduce the whole assortment of Holle vegetable 1st foods during the following 2 months. The vegetables meals can be also used in addition with the Holle cereals. Stir 2 tablespoons of Holle Cereals in 190g of vegetable meal and add 2 teaspoons of sunflower oil.

Milk porridge from 4 months

The milk porridge is made with Holle cereals nad fresh milk or alternatively with Holle follow-on formula 2. When using fresh milk we recommend the addition of one teaspoon of fruit or vegetable juice as a vitamin supplement. Detailed recipes can be found on all Holle Grain Porridges.

Dairy free Fruit porridge from 5/6 months

The next porridge to be introduced to your baby's diet should be a dairy free fruit porridge. This meal substitutes the breastfeeding or the milk bottle in the afternoon. For the preparation we recommend to use apple, pears, bananas or peaches. Exotic fruits or a mix of different fruits should not be used before the above named fruits porridges have been introduced.

Junior meals from 8 months

From 8 months on you can start feeding your baby chunkier food. The vegetable porridge with cereals is coarser and the Fruit porridge may contain small pieces of fruit. The different consistency of these meals will animate the mastication of your baby. Holle Junior meals will satisfy the need of your baby on the way to a regular alimentation.