*What is Complementary Feeding*
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.
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