Appropriate, adequate, and nutritious complementary food is needed for a growing child. It is important to make sure that the baby is receiving all the necessary nutrients for his/her growth and development, thus, food items coming from four or more of the seven food groups must be included in his/her diet. Mothers must take note that when their baby reaches six months of age, they need to provide appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond to reach the optimum growth and development.
What should be included in the complementary foods of your baby?
Starchy foods such as rice, corn, potato, etc. must be included in the baby’s meal since it gives energy needed by the body in the daily activities. Also, protein-rich foods such as pork, beef, chicken, and fish meat that is also a good source of iron and zinc, is important for his/her body’s growth and development. Legumes and nuts such as sitaw, mani, patani and bataw, are also a good source of protein. Egg is also recommended since it contains protein, fat and essential vitamins and minerals such as choline, B-vitamins, folate and zinc that are significant for the babies’ brain development.
Furthermore, vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamins and minerals should also be given to a young child. Yellow fruits and green leafy vegetables which are good source of vitamin A helps in his/her metabolism. Also, dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurts may also be included since these are a good source of calcium, protein, energy and B vitamins. Lastly, complementary foods must also contain oils and fats, such as butter, cooking oils, margarine, etc., since it give more of the energy to support the rapid growth of the baby and also it helps to improve the texture and taste of the complementary food.
What are the feeding recommendations to your baby?
According to the feeding recommendation chart developed by UNICEF, age, amount, frequency, type, and consistency must be considered in giving complementary foods. Babies that are six months old can be given with a 2-3 tablespoon of complementary foods that is thick and sticks to the spoon, twice a day. They may start giving mashed bananas and potatoes, and porridge or “lugaw” – which may consist of rice, corn or potato. When the baby reached 6-9 months, gradually increase the food to ½ of a 250 ml cup. Mashed foods can be given with 7-month-old children and when they reach 8 months, they can be given with finger foods, thrice a day.
For children aged 9-12 months, the frequency of feeding can be increased to four times a day. In this age group they can be already given with food items that are finely chopped. Lastly, when the children reached 12-24 months, they can already eat family/table foods that are sliced into small and bite-sized pieces. Also, the amount of the food must be increased to ¾ or 1 cup and given up to 5 times a day. It is recommended to provide different types of foods such as staple and starchy, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, chicken and egg and nuts and legumes to ensure that they are receiving all the nutrients they needed to grow healthy.
Before giving complementary foods, mothers should always remember to breastfeed their baby first since breastmilk still contains the important nutrients for their growth and development of the child. They may refer to the feeding recommendation chart in preparing complementary foods, considering the frequency, amount and texture of food that is appropriate for the babies’ age. Always remember the Nutritional Guidelines No 2., “Breastfeed infants exclusively from birth up to six months and then give appropriate complementary food while continuing breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond for optimum growth and development”. ###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
