Last updated: 12 Jun 2018
Why complementary feeding?
Source: WHO
After the first six months of life, breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of infants. Thus, complementary foods need to be added to their diet. This period of transition from a diet of breast milk to solid foods is known as complementary feeding. It is a critical juncture in a child’s development because this is when malnutrition starts in many infants.
WHAT ARE APPROPRIATE COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING PRACTICES?
Source: WHO
Complementary feeding should be timely, meaning that all infants should start receiving foods in addition to breast milk from 6 months onwards. It should be adequate, meaning that the complementary foods should be given in amounts, frequency, consistency and using a variety of foods to cover the nutritional needs of the growing child while maintaining breastfeeding.
Foods should be prepared and given in a safe manner, meaning that measures are taken to minimise the risk of contamination with pathogens. And they should be given in a way that is appropriate, meaning that foods are of appropriate texture for the age of the child and applying responsive feeding following the principles of psycho-social care.
The adequacy of complementary feeding (adequacy in short for timely, adequate, safe and appropriate) not only depends on the availability of a variety of foods in the household, but also on the feeding practices of caregivers. Feeding young infants requires active care and stimulation, where the caregiver is responsive to the child clues for hunger and also encourages the child to eat. This is also referred to as active or responsive feeding.
WHO recommends that infants start receiving complementary foods at 6 months of age in addition to breast milk, initially 2-3 times a day between 6-8 months, increasing to 3-4 times daily between 9-11 months and 12-24 months with additional nutritious snacks offered 1-2 times per day, as desired.