⚠️ Important Notice: Nepal's Breastfeeding LawIn line with Nepal's Mother's Milk Substitutes (Control of Sale and Distribution) Act, 2049 (1992) and the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), Luna Bites strongly supports and promotes exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. Mother's milk is the complete, ideal nutrition for your newborn — no solid food or supplement is needed or recommended before 6 months. All products sold by Luna Bites are intended for babies 6 months and older, in line with Nepali law and international pediatric standards.One of the most exciting milestones in your baby's first year is the introduction of solid foods. But it's also one of the most anxious. When is the right time? What should you give first? How much is too much? If you're asking yourself these questions, you're not alone — and you've come to the right place.This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting solids, based on current pediatric guidelines, WHO recommendations, and Nepal's national health standards.The Law is Clear: Exclusive Breastfeeding Until 6 MonthsNepal's Mother's Milk Substitutes (Control of Sale and Distribution) Act, 2049 (1992) legally mandates that no commercial baby food, formula, or supplement should be promoted or sold for infants under 6 months of age. This law exists to protect newborns and support mothers, because mother's milk is not just adequate — it is irreplaceable for the first six months of life.The WHO and UNICEF equally recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years and beyond.This means: if your baby is under 6 months, the single best thing you can do is breastfeed. No cereal, no puree, no supplement — just mother's milk. Luna Bites fully stands behind this guidance.Starting Solids at 6 Months: The Right TimeAround 6 months, breastfeeding alone may no longer provide all the nutrients a growing baby needs — particularly iron and zinc. This is when complementary foods (solids) should begin, alongside continued breastfeeding.This doesn't mean the day your baby turns 6 months old you need to rush to the kitchen. It means that around 6 months, your baby will begin showing signs of readiness, and that's your cue. Always check with your pediatrician before starting.5 Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Solids1. They can sit up with minimal support. Your baby should be able to hold their head steady and sit upright. This is important for safe swallowing.2. They've lost the tongue-thrust reflex. Young babies instinctively push things out of their mouth. Once this fades, they can move food to the back of their mouth and swallow it.3. They show interest in your food. If your baby watches you eat, reaches for your plate, or opens their mouth when they see food, that's a sign of food readiness.4. They can move food to the back of their mouth. When offered a small spoonful of smooth puree, a ready baby will swallow rather than immediately spit it out.5. They've doubled their birth weight. Most babies ready for solids have roughly doubled their birth weight and weigh at least 6–7 kilograms.What to Feed First (6 Months and Above)When it comes to first foods, simple is best. Your baby still gets most of their nutrition from breast milk or formula. The goal is exploration.Single-grain iron-fortified cereals: Gerber Organic Oatmeal Single Grain Cereal 227g is among the most popular first foods recommended by pediatricians worldwide. Iron-fortified, easy to mix smoothly, and mild in flavor — perfect for babies starting out at 6 months.Pureed vegetables: Sweet potato, pumpkin, and carrot are naturally sweet and packed with vitamins. You can prepare these at home or use ready-made organic purees.Pureed fruits: Banana, apple, and pear offer natural sweetness and are easy to prepare.Dal water (thin lentil water): A traditional Nepali first food that is gentle, iron-rich, and perfectly suited for local babies.What NOT to Feed Before 12 MonthsHoney — it can contain bacteria that cause infant botulism. Cow's milk as a main drink should be avoided. Added salt and added sugar should never be in any food for infants. Whole nuts and hard raw vegetables pose a choking risk. Unpasteurized foods and raw eggs carry bacterial risks.How to Introduce New Foods SafelyUse the "4-day wait rule." Offer a new food for 4 consecutive days before introducing another. This window gives you time to watch for allergic reactions — rashes, hives, swelling, or unusual fussiness. Stop that food and consult your pediatrician if you notice any reaction.How Much Should You Feed?Start with just 1–2 teaspoons once a day. Gradually increase to 2–3 tablespoons per meal over weeks, and add a second meal around 7–8 months. Breast milk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition at 6 months.A Sample First-Week Schedule (Starting at 6 Months)Day 1–4: Single-grain oatmeal cereal mixed thin, 1 teaspoon, once a day in the morning.Day 5–8: Pureed sweet potato or pumpkin, 1–2 teaspoons, once a day.Day 9–12: Pureed banana or apple, 1–2 teaspoons, once a day.Remember: This is a journey. Starting solids is messy, joyful, and sometimes frustrating — all in the same sitting. Never force feed. Let your baby set the pace.Ready to Get Started?At Luna Bites, all our products are intended for babies 6 months and older, in full compliance with Nepali law. Shop our complete First Foods collection and take the guesswork out of starting solids.