Health authorities worldwide are in the process of updating national nutrition guidelines for infants and young children. The guidelines that have been in place since the mid-2010s are being revised and expanded — for the first time explicitly covering children from one to two years. Here is what you need to know.
What's Happening?
National infant nutrition guidelines in many countries haven't been updated for a decade. Revisions are now underway based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR 2023) and similar updated knowledge bases from the WHO and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).
The most important changes in progress:
- Extended age group: Guidelines expanding from 0-12 months to 0-24 months
- New evidence base: Based on updated research from 2023 onward
- New debate about breastfeeding: Questions around exclusive breastfeeding duration and allergen introduction are being discussed
- Clearer guidance for toddlers: Explicit recommendations for children aged 12-24 months, which previously had limited guidance
Timeline: Updated guidelines are being developed and will be published over 2025-2026. Until new guidelines are published, current recommendations remain in effect. Do not make changes to your child's diet based on speculation about what new guidelines might say.
Why Are New Guidelines Needed?
The Evidence Base Has Changed
Much has changed in nutrition research since the mid-2010s. Updated recommendations now summarize new knowledge about:
- Timing for introduction of solid foods
- Allergen introduction and allergy prevention
- The importance of iron-rich foods from the start of solids
- Diet for children between one and two years
The Gap for 1-2 Year Olds
Many existing guidelines cover only children up to 12 months. Parents of one-year-olds have lacked official guidance — general adult dietary recommendations typically apply from age two. This means parents of children between one and two years have had no specific guidance to rely on.
What Is Being Debated?
Exclusive Breastfeeding — How Long?
The most debated topic is the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Current WHO guidance recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.
Under recent expert discussions, several specialists have raised this question. International experts including WHO representatives have reviewed the evidence base.
Current recommendations from WHO and AAP:
- Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months
- It is safe to start solid foods from 4 months, but not before
- Breastfeeding is recommended throughout the first year and beyond
Important: Until new guidelines are published, current recommendations remain in force. Do not change your baby's diet based on speculation about what new guidelines might become.
Allergy and Food Introduction
New research has changed views on allergy prevention. Where previously delayed introduction of allergenic foods was often recommended, newer studies show that early introduction (from 4-6 months) may actually reduce allergy risk.
European medical organizations EAACI and ESPGHAN have concluded that there is no basis for withholding potentially allergenic foods after four months of age.
Current recommendations on allergies:
- All infants should receive allergenic foods during the first year of life
- This also applies to infants at high risk for allergy
- For infants at high risk for peanut allergy (severe eczema and/or egg allergy), introduction should happen in consultation with a doctor
What Applies Now? Current Infant Feeding Guidelines
While we await updated guidelines, here are the current recommendations from WHO, AAP, and most national health authorities:
From Birth
- Breast milk is the best food for infants
- Vitamin D supplementation from about 1 week of age for breastfed babies
- Formula-fed infants who receive adequate formula generally do not need extra vitamin D supplementation
- Cod liver oil is not recommended in the first year
From About 6 Months (Starting Solids)
- Start with solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula
- Begin with small amounts and increase gradually
- Introduce varied diet: vegetables, fruit, grains, meat, fish, eggs, legumes
- Introduce allergenic foods during the first year
Foods to Be Careful With
| Food | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Honey | Avoid entire first year | Risk of infant botulism |
| Spinach, arugula, beets | Avoid entire first year | High nitrate content |
| Cow's milk as a drink | From 12 months | Too low in iron; can displace iron-rich foods; high protein content may stress immature kidneys |
| Whole nuts | Avoid until 4-5 years | Choking hazard |
| Liver as main meal | Avoid | Cadmium levels; liver pâté is fine as a spread (1-2 slices/day) |
| Salt and sugar | Limit | Baby does not need added salt or sugar |
From 10 Months
- Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese can be introduced
- Cow's milk can be used in cooking
From 12 Months
- Cow's milk can be given as a drink (use low-fat milk, max 500ml per day including yogurt)
- Baby can eat the same foods as the rest of the family, adjusted for texture
Tip: Always start meals with familiar foods and introduce the new item toward the end. When hungry, babies are less motivated to try unfamiliar food.
Diet for Children 1-2 Years — What We Know
Even without a specific official guideline for this age group in many countries, general guidance includes:
- From 1 year: The child can eat the same as the rest of the family
- Meal rhythm: 3 main meals and 2-3 snacks
- Dairy: Cow's milk, yogurt, and cheese are important calcium sources. Max 500ml cow's milk/yogurt per day
- Fish: At least 2-3 times per week
- Fruit and vegetables: Every day, at every meal
- Bread: Whole grain bread with toppings
- Limit: Sugar, salt, processed foods, juice, and sweetened drinks
How Will New Guidelines Affect You?
While we don't know exactly what new guidelines will contain, some topics where clearer guidance is expected:
- Diet for 12-24 months: For the first time, many health authorities will give detailed advice for this age group
- Allergen introduction: Likely clearer recommendations about early introduction of allergenic foods
- Iron-rich diet: Emphasis on iron-rich foods from the start of solids, as iron stores from birth begin to deplete around 6 months
- Plant-based diets: Possible clearer guidance for families who want to feed their children a plant-based diet
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important changes in the new infant feeding guidelines?
Health authorities are revising infant nutrition guidelines, including based on updated Nordic and international research. Early introduction of allergens (from 4-6 months) and more focus on iron-rich foods from the start of solids are central topics. Final versions are not yet published, but the direction is clearer focus on dietary diversity early on.
When should a baby start solid foods?
Current recommendations from WHO and AAP: exclusively breastfed babies who are growing well can wait until around 6 months. Babies on formula should start solid foods from 4 months if the baby is developmentally ready. Never before 4 months. Your pediatrician can give individual guidance tailored to your baby.
Should I wait with allergenic foods like eggs and fish?
No. Updated guidelines recommend introducing allergenic foods such as eggs, wheat, fish, and dairy products during the first year. Research shows that early introduction can reduce the risk of allergy.
Stay Up to Date
When new guidelines are published, Babysential will update all our articles on baby food and nutrition. In the meantime, we recommend:
- WHO: Infant and Young Child Feeding
- AAP: Starting Solid Foods
- Your pediatrician: Speak with your doctor for individual guidance