Source: http://www.who.int/features/qa/21/en/
WHO guidelines
Ask an expert
Online Q&A
Reviewed July 2015
Q: Up to what age can a baby stay well nourished just by breastfeeding?
A: Children must be exclusively breastfed - that is, receive only breast milk - until the first six months of life to achieve health and adequate growth and development.
"Exclusive breastfeeding" is defined as offering the baby no other food or drink - not even water - except breast milk. It is, however, allowed for the child to receive oral rehydration salts (ORS), drops and syrups (vitamins, minerals and medications).
Breast milk is the ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; Breastfeeding is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for mothers' health.
The WHO recommends that babies start receiving complementary foods at six months (180 days) of age, in addition to breast milk.
Food must be adequate, meaning it provides enough energy, protein and micronutrients to meet the nutritional needs of a growing child.
Food must be prepared and administered in a safe manner to minimize the risk of contamination
Feeding young children requires active care and prompting to encourage the child to eat.
The transition from exclusive breastfeeding to full use of food consumed by the family is a very vulnerable period.
This is the time when many children become malnourished, contributing significantly to the high prevalence of malnutrition in children under five years of age across the world.
It is essential, therefore, that children receive appropriate, adequate and safe complementary foods to ensure the transition from the breastfeeding period to full use of the foods consumed by the family.