Breastmilk can provide all the nutrients that the baby needs during the first six months of life of a child. However, beyond 6 months, breastmilk alone cannot suffice the nutritional demands of the baby for his/her growth and development. There is a gap between the baby’s total energy needs and the energy and nutrients coming from the breast milk, from 6 months onwards. As the child grows, this gap will also increase. Thus, in this period, it is the best to give your baby additional foods to fill in these gaps and make him/her grow well and healthy.

Complementary feeding is when the child is given other foods in addition to breastmilk. These additional foods are called complementary foods. Complementary foods are characterized as nutritious and adequate to ensure that the baby will receive all the nutrients, he/she needs to grow healthy and strong.

Mothers should remember that it is important that babies 6 months and beyond should still be frequently breastfed as the child wants. For babies 6 months to 12 months old, breastmilk still gives more than half of the child’s nutritional needs and for babies 12 months to 2 years old, breastmilk gives at least one-third of his/her nutritional demands. Also, babies who are continuously breastfed after 6 months are still protected from many forms of diseases. Also, the closeness and contact of the baby to his/her mother during breastfeeding helps in the psychological development. 

So, why is it important to start introducing complementary foods on the right time?

There are risks in introducing complementary foods too late or too early.  Complementary foods that are given too early may replace breastmilk. These additional foods usually provide lower nutrients than breastmilk, thus it would be hard for the baby to meet his/her nutrient needs. Lesser amount of protective properties found in breastmilk will be consumed and may result to higher risk of illness. Also, baby’s stomach before 6 months is not mature enough to digest and absorb non-human protein properly thus, their risk of having diarrhea and allergic condition may increase. Lastly, the decrease frequency of breastfeeding may increases the risk of mothers to get pregnant again.

Whereas, introducing complementary foods too late have also dangers to the health of the baby. The baby who is given with complementary foods too late may not meet the nutritional demands of the baby while growing.  It may result to a higher risk of having malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies such as anemia, poor eye sight and others. This may further result to a slower rate of child’s growth and development.

Furthermore, right amounts, frequency and consistency of the complementary foods should also be given to the babies to meet all the nutrient needs of the baby while growing. These additional foods should be given depending on the appetite and hunger cues of the baby.  Also, the meal frequency and methods of feeding should be appropriate on the child’s age. Lastly, it is important that mothers should make sure that the complementary foods are prepared safely. Clean and safe complementary food is essential to lessen the risk of contamination and the illness that the baby may get.

            To ensure that your baby will grow active, healthy, and strong, always remember these 2 key messages from World Health Organization:  Key message 1 “Breastfeeding for two years or longer helps a child to develop and grow strong and healthy; Key message 2: “Starting other foods in addition to breast milk at six completed months help a child to grow well”. ###FVV

Source:

National Nutrition Council (2018). Idol ko si Nanay- A Facilitator’s guide. Taguig City, Philippines

World Health Organization (2006). Infant and Young Child Feeding Counselling: An Integrated Course. WHO Document Production Services, Geneva, Switzerland