Complementary Feeding :The First Bites of Love of a Baby Beyond 6 Months

Complementary Feeding : As a baby grows, their nutritional needs evolve beyond breast milk, making complementary feeding a crucial milestone. Starting at 6 months, a baby requires semi-solid foods alongside breastfeeding to support their growth, brain development, and immunity.

Complementary Feeding:

A kid should consume solid or semi-solid foods at least twice a day between the ages of 6 and 8 months, and three times a day between the ages of 9 and 24 months as Complementary Feeding.

• Continue to breastfeed frequently and whenever needed until the child is two years old or older
• Foods should be the right consistency for the age of the consumer. The consistency should be a purée (or mash) at six months, which is made up of cooked fruits or vegetables that have been crushed, mixed, and drained to a creamy liquid or paste. Foods should be lumpy between the ages of 7 and 9 months. After 9 months, finger foods—foods that are meant to be eaten with the finger and thumb—can be introduced.
• Foods must have a variety of tastes, textures, and hues.
• Food should be hygienic, meaning it should be cooked using safe water and ingredients and stored and reheated according to hygienic guidelines.
• When the infant is six months old, start with modest portions of food and gradually increase the amount while continuing to breastfeed frequently.
• Serve foods that are lower in sugar, salt, and spices. Promote eating fresh, home-cooked meals.
• When unwell, urge the child to consume soft, favorite foods and increase fluid
  intake, including breastfeeding more frequently.
• Encourage the youngster to eat more and give meals more frequently than normal after illness.
• Feeding isn’t just about Nutrition
  • ·        Being exposed to and learning about new flavors, scents, and sensations
    Gain independence and communication skills·        Establish the framework for a balanced, healthful diet.
  • ·        Development of speech through swallowing and chewing
    Encourage ongoing development and progress
• During Complementary feeding ensure that
  • ·        Pick a time when you’re not rushing and your infant isn’t exhausted. Your infant may need some time to adjust to eating with a spoon, so patience is essential. Even if they make a mess, let them use their own fingers. The infant exhibits early signs of hunger and is completely awake. A watchful mother can quickly recognize the signs of hunger. The period is ideal for introducing new foods.
  • ·       Make the infant sit up straight and away from any electronics such as TVs, phones, or tablets.

• At first, try just one new dish at a time.
  • Always keep an eye on your infant while they eat for safety reasons, and assist them if they need assistance.
  • Your baby should be encouraged to touch and hold the food.
  • Wait for your baby to open their mouth before offering them food if you’re using a spoon. Additionally, your infant might like holding a spoon.
  • Your infant should not be coerced into eating or finishing their food.
    Allowing your child to feed themselves is known as baby-led feeding.
  • To make things easy for everyone, baby meals can be the same as those of the rest of the family.

• ·       Be aware of the specific foods that your child should continue to avoid till they are older.

·     While chopped nuts are acceptable, whole nuts should be avoided by children under five since they pose a choking threat.

·       Bacteria that cause newborn poisoning (botulism) may be present in honey.

·        Eggs should be cooked till they are hard boiled to kill any bacteria.

    a. 6 – 8 months :

      Two to three tablespoons of thick porridge and
well-mashed food, two to three times a day, are a good way to begin supplemental
feedings. Continue to breastfeed frequently (BF). (15 ml or 3 teaspoons is
equal to 1 tablespoon).

b. 9 – 11 months :

     Start with a bowl or ½ cup of foods that have
been mashed or chopped finely, as well as meals the baby can grasp with her fingers. Give BF three to four meals a day. Serve one or two snacks, depending
on appetite. 250 ml (1 cup/bowl) 

c. 12 – 23 months :

•       Give BF three to four times a day along with ¾th
  to 1 cup or bowl of family items that have been diced or mashed. Serve one or two snacks, depending on appetite.

Thanks and Regards

N.B. This information is suggestive only.