Expert consensus on comprehensive assessment before the  introduction of complementary foods in infants

中国妇幼健康研究会儿童早期发展专委会

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2026-0311

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (4) : 349-356. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2026-0311

Expert Consensus

Expert consensus on comprehensive assessment before the introduction of complementary foods in infants

Subspecialty Committee on Early Childhood Development, Chinese Maternal and Child Health Association

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Abstract

When an infant reaches 6 months of age, this milestone represents not merely a routine progression in chronological age, but a critical period marking the transition to family-led complementary feeding across all domains of infant development. To scientifically determine whether an infant′s developmental status can support a smooth initiation of complementary feeding at home, and to ensure the safety of complementary feeding while safeguarding subsequent healthy development in infants and toddlers, this consensus addresses assessment across several dimensions: feeding status, maturation of the digestive enzyme system and gastrointestinal tract, motor skill development, psychological and emotional readiness of both the infant and mother for complementary feeding, and prevention of food allergy. It further incorporates anticipatory guidance and proactive planning, proposing stratified, front-loaded, and full-cycle nutritional management strategies for special populations including preterm infants, low birth weight infants, and those with growth faltering, wasting, or overweight/obesity. Through maternal and child health institutions, this consensus aims to guide clinical child health practitioners, pediatricians, and family caregivers in identifying the appropriate timing for introducing complementary foods, progressively enhancing infants′ and toddlers′ perception and acceptance of new foods, fostering healthy dietary habits, and laying a foundation for long-term health.

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infants / introduction of complementary foods / comprehensive assessment / developmental maturity / feeding readiness / expert consensus

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Subspecialty Committee on Early Childhood Development, Chinese Maternal and Child Health Association. Expert consensus on comprehensive assessment before the introduction of complementary foods in infants[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2026, 34(4): 349-356 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2026-0311

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