When should I start weaning?

WHO and Korean Pediatric Society recommend 6 months. Weaning may begin as early as 4–5 months if breast milk alone is insufficient, but consult a pediatrician first.

What are the best first foods?

Plain rice porridge (thin gruel) is the most common first food — low allergy risk and easy to digest. Gradually add vegetables and fruits one at a time.

How do I test for food allergies?

Introduce each new ingredient alone for 3 consecutive days in small amounts and watch for reactions. Stop immediately if hives, vomiting, or diarrhea occur and see a pediatrician.

My baby refuses food — what should I do?

Try again after 1–2 weeks. Adjust temperature, texture, or consistency. Never force-feed. See a pediatrician if refusal persists.

When can I give honey?

After 12 months of age. Before that, honey poses a risk of infant botulism.

When can I use salt and sugar?

In small amounts after 12 months; minimize as long as possible to support kidney and taste development.

Can I freeze baby food?

Yes. Freeze in single-portion containers for up to 2–4 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator or by gentle reheating in warm water. Never refreeze thawed food.

When can my baby drink cow's milk?

Whole cow's milk as a drink is appropriate after 12 months. Before that, breast milk or formula is preferred. Yogurt and cheese are fine from 8–9 months.

My baby refuses vegetables — tips?

Mix with preferred fruits, or incorporate finely chopped vegetables into patties or dumplings. Many babies accept foods after 10–20 exposures.

Should my baby still have breast milk or formula during weaning?

Yes. Milk remains the main nutrition in early and mid stages. From late weaning (10+ months), solid food gradually increases; by the transition stage, solids become the main diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about baby food and weaning.

Author Jikwang Kim (Operator)Reviewed by Korean Pediatric Society guidelinesLast updated May 16, 2026bal.pe.kr 마이크로 SaaS

Q1. When should I start weaning?: WHO and Korean Pediatric Society recommend 6 months. Weaning may begin as early as 4–5 months if breast milk alone is insufficient, but consult a pediatrician first.
Q2. What are the best first foods?: Plain rice porridge (thin gruel) is the most common first food — low allergy risk and easy to digest. Gradually add vegetables and fruits one at a time.
Q3. How do I test for food allergies?: Introduce each new ingredient alone for 3 consecutive days in small amounts and watch for reactions. Stop immediately if hives, vomiting, or diarrhea occur and see a pediatrician.
Q4. My baby refuses food — what should I do?: Try again after 1–2 weeks. Adjust temperature, texture, or consistency. Never force-feed. See a pediatrician if refusal persists.
Q5. When can I give honey?: After 12 months of age. Before that, honey poses a risk of infant botulism.
Q6. When can I use salt and sugar?: In small amounts after 12 months; minimize as long as possible to support kidney and taste development.
Q7. Can I freeze baby food?: Yes. Freeze in single-portion containers for up to 2–4 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator or by gentle reheating in warm water. Never refreeze thawed food.
Q8. When can my baby drink cow's milk?: Whole cow's milk as a drink is appropriate after 12 months. Before that, breast milk or formula is preferred. Yogurt and cheese are fine from 8–9 months.
Q9. My baby refuses vegetables — tips?: Mix with preferred fruits, or incorporate finely chopped vegetables into patties or dumplings. Many babies accept foods after 10–20 exposures.
Q10. Should my baby still have breast milk or formula during weaning?: Yes. Milk remains the main nutrition in early and mid stages. From late weaning (10+ months), solid food gradually increases; by the transition stage, solids become the main diet.

※ This FAQ provides general information. For medical diagnosis or individual dietary advice, consult a pediatrician or nutritionist.