Complementary feeding is defined as the process starting when breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of infants, and therefore other foods and liquids are needed, along with breast milk. The transition from exclusive breastfeeding to family foods – referred to as complementary feeding – typically covers the period from 6–24 months of age, even though breastfeeding may continue to two years of age and beyond. This is a critical period of growth during which nutrient deficiencies and illnesses contribute globally to higher rates of undernutrition among children under five years of age.
Right age to start complimentary feeding is 6 months
*4 pillars of Complementary feeding are:*
>Timely (right time and frequency),
>Adequate (right amount),
>Appropriate (diversity in taste, texture, flavor, color and food groups)
>Safe ( hygienic cooking).
*Few Important Tips*
1. Minimum number of times a baby should eat is 2 times per day from 6 to 8 months of age and 3 times per day from 9 to 24 months.
2. Continue frequent on demand breast feeding till 2 years of age.
3. Consistency of food should vary as per age. Start with puree,mashed and semisolid food.
4. Give food with less of sugar, no salt and spices, No artificial juices, no biscuits.
5. Encourage home based, freshly cooked food.
6. Choose a time for feeding when baby isn’t tired, is fully alert and hungry and you are not busy, as feeding a baby requires lots of patience. Allow them to make a mess.
7. No gadgets like TV, mobiles etc during feeding
8. Do not introduce too many foods at same time. Let your baby develop taste for a particular food and then switch over to a new one. The normal switch over period varies as per different babies, but its somewhere between 3 to 5 days. This approach will also help you determine if your baby has an allergy to a particular food.
Dr. Rajat Goswami is a qualified pediatrician with MBBS from GTB Hospital and MD Pediatrics from Kalawati Saran Children Hospital. He has experience in child health care newborn care and vaccination.
Blossoms Kids Clinic provides pediatric care newborn care vaccination child health consultations growth monitoring and management of common childhood illnesses.
Yes. The clinic provides specialized care for newborns including health assessments preventive care and management of common newborn health concerns.
Yes. Blossoms Kids Clinic provides vaccination services for children with proper cold-chain management to maintain vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Vaccination helps protect children from several preventable infections and supports healthy development by strengthening their immunity.
Children should visit a pediatrician for regular health checkups vaccinations growth monitoring developmental concerns or whenever they experience persistent illness symptoms.
Yes. Dr. Rajat Goswami provides pediatric care for newborn infant and childhood illnesses with appropriate assessment and treatment guidance.
Blossoms Kids Clinic headed by Dr. Rajat Goswami is located in GTB Nagar and provides pediatric and newborn healthcare services for children and families.
