What is the recommended infant feeding for the first 6 months of life?

AAP recommendation: exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, then continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods through at least 12 months and longer as mutually desired. WHO recommends continued breastfeeding through 2 years. If breastfeeding is not chosen or possible, iron-fortified infant formula is the alternative. Why exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months: (1) Breast milk provides complete nutrition for that period; (2) Antibodies and immune factors reduce infections; (3) GI tract is developmentally ready for milk but not solids; (4) Reduces allergy and asthma risk; (5) Reduces SIDS risk. NOT recommended before 12 months: cow's milk (insufficient iron, may cause GI bleeding in infants); honey (botulism risk); foods that are choking hazards (whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hot dogs, raw vegetables). Solid foods are introduced around 6 months when infant shows readiness signs: sits with support, head control, doubled birth weight, shows interest in food, loses tongue-thrust reflex. Iron-rich foods first (iron-fortified cereal, pureed meat) because iron stores deplete around 6 months. Introduce one food at a time, waiting 3-5 days between new foods to identify allergies. By 12 months: solid food primary nutrition, transition to whole milk (after 12 months only).