Complementary Feeding

Mwangi K Wangari H31/33964/2013

Nassir Din
 Objectives
• Definition of Complementary Feeding
• Factors to Consider when Introducing Complementary Foods (WHO)
• Feeding an Infant 6-8 months
• Feeding of an Infant 12-24 months
• Feeding a Child more than 24 Months
 Definition
• The addition of other foods for infants between 6 and 18-24 months
who have otherwise been feeding exclusively on breast milk. The
justification for the addition of other foods, which are often referred
to as complementary feeds, is that breast milk is no longer sufficient
to meet an infant’s nutritional and fluid needs.
 Factors to Consider when Introducing
Complementary Foods (WHO Recommendations)
1. The energy needs of the children with reference to their age in
months should be met

Age of Child Daily Recommended

Caloric Intake
6 to 8 months 600
9 to 11 months 700
12 to 23 months 900
 Factors to Consider when Introducing
Complementary Foods (WHO Recommendations)
2. Food Consistency
The variety and consistency of foods should be increased as children
grow older. Younger children may be unable to eat foods of
inappropriate consistency and may be resistant to try some types of
foods which may compromise their nutrition
3. Meal Frequency and Energy density
Meals for infants should be given four or five times a day and
supplemented with nutritious snacks once or twice daily
 Factors to Consider when Introducing
Complementary Foods (WHO Recommendations)
4. Nutrient Content of Foods
Special attention should be paid to meat and animal products such as
milk and eggs which provide a wide range of nutrients essential to
growth and calcium. The diet should have adequate amounts of vitamin
A and fats.
5. Vitamin-Mineral Supplements or Fortified Products
Vitamin-mineral supplements and fortified products should be given to
children who do not eat enough meat and Vitamin A should be given in
high doses in places where VAD is endemic and in places with high
infant mortality.
 Factors to Consider when Introducing
Complementary Foods (WHO Recommendations)
6. Fluid Needs (Clean water offered several times in a day)
Children need an additional 400-600 ml of water daily. For those that
are not breastfed, their fluid needs should include the 200-700 ml of
water per day which is often given through breast milk.
7. Safe Preparation and Storage of Food
The caregiver and the child should wash hands before handling food.
Food should be handled in clean containers and stored in a clean
environment.
 Factors to Consider when Introducing
Complementary Foods (WHO Recommendations)
8. Responsive Feeding
Infants should be fed slowly and patiently in an environment with
minimal distractions while paying attention to their cues on hunger and
satiety.
9. Feeding During and After Illness
During illness or convalescence, children should be fed with lots of
fluids and soft, tasty and palatable food to encourage their feeding. The
food portions should be increased during this time.
Feeding an Infant 6-8 months