Complementary Feeding
Complementary feeding refers to the introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe foods in addition to breast milk (or infant formula) when breast milk is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of an infant.
1. Key Guidelines
| Parameter | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Initiation Age | 6 months (exclusive breastfeeding until then). |
| Consistency | Start with soft/mashed foods, progress to finger foods. |
| Frequency | 6–8 months: 2–3 times/day; 9–23 months: 3–4 times/day. |
2. Principles of Safe Feeding
- Responsive Feeding: Feed children directly, assist younger children, and feed slowly and patiently; do not force-feed.
- Hygiene: Use clean cups and spoons; avoid bottles (high risk of contamination).
- Dietary Diversity: Include animal-source foods (meat, poultry, fish, eggs) and iron-rich foods (fortified cereals, legumes).
NEET PG Hint: Remember the “6-month rule”: exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months, after which energy requirements exceed what breast milk can provide. Iron stores from birth typically deplete by this age, making iron-rich complementary foods essential for preventing nutritional anemia.