Complementary Feeding

    Feeding and diet are the most important parts of a child's growth and development. As we know, our body is 70% of what we eat. If our diet is good our body will be best, but if the diet is bad the body will be worst. And starting of providing nourishment, nutrition begins from the early stage of life that is after the period of breastfeeding. As everybody knows an infant is fed just by mother's milk for first six months after birth. Nourishment means a lot in health of anybody and complementary feeding is most important because it allows a child to meet his nourishment and nutrition necessities. According to a report, 45% of child deaths are associated due to undernutrition.

What Is Complementary Feeding?

 Around the age of 6 months, infant's need for energy and nourishment starts to exceed what is provided by breast milk. At this point an infant is ready for other foods. This transition is referred to as complementary feeding. 

 If complementary foods are not provided around the age of 6 months, or not properly given, growth of an infant will be affected.

Parents or guardian must ensure that the infant's nutritional needs are met requires that complementary foods be:

• Timely: meaning that they are provided when the need for energy and after fixed interval of time.
• Adequate: meaning that the food given should contain sufficient amount of protein, nutrients, vitamins, minerals that are necessary for the child of that age group.
• Safe: meaning that food given should be prepared and stored hygienically, and utensils used should be cleaned.
• Properly Fed: meaning that food should be given in suitable quantity and according to the age.
  
  
  

According to a study,  less than one a fourth of infants aged 6-23 months have age - appropriate dietary diversity. Globally, 144 million children under 5years of age are too short for their age (stuned) due to undernutritional food.

Guiding Principles Of Complementary Feeding

1. Feed slowly and patiently, and encourage children to eat everything especially healthy food without actually forcing them.
2. If children refuse to eat some foods, experiment with different food items, tastes, texture and methods of encouragement.
3. Minimize distractions during eating, so that child does not lose interest in eating.
4. Remember the feeding should be after fixed intervals.
5. Don't suddenly stop breastfeeding, provide both food and breast milk until the child is habitual to the food.
6. Prepare the food hygienically and store properly.