Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 25 March 2022

Complementary Foods Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy so that they will not get easily sick especially now that we are still coping with the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first 6 months of the baby, mothers should only feed the child of their breastmilk. At 6 months of age, it gets to be progressively difficult to breastfeed them to meet their nutrient needs just from the breast milk alone. That is where complementary feeding comes in.

Complementary feeding, from the word itself - “complement” must go well together with breast milk. It is needed to supply your child with the essential nutrients they need for continued growth and development. Complementary foods ought to give adequate energy, protein, and micronutrients to cover a child's nutrient needs along with breast milk. As infants grow approaching one year of age, breastmilk continues to be their source of protein and other essential nutrients. However, complementary foods should be introduced at this stage for them to be able to get the needed nutrition to support their growth.

So, what kind of complementary foods should be given to babies?

It is very important to introduce iron-rich foods to your child as early as reaching 6 months of age. This is because their iron stores begin to deplete around this age. Iron-rich foods that you can give include beef, beans, fish, chicken, and eggs. Simultaneously introduces foods rich in vitamin C, like mango, papaya, potatoes, and green leafy vegetables to enhance iron absorption. An iron-fortified infant may also be given and is a good complement to breast milk. It can be mixed or infant formula if it has already been introduced. Complementary foods should be pureed or mashed when given to babies and should be offered a few spoonsful a day initially. Mothers should still maintain breastfeeding to avoid malnutrition and stunting. Babies should also be introduced to drink from a cup around six months, it should be filled with nutritious options like a small amount of water, 100% fruit juices, or cooked grain drinks. All these should complement, not replace breast milk. Complementary foods are usually basic local staples such as cereals, roots, and starchy fruits that are mainly carbohydrate that provides energy. A variety of other foods should be included in the staple every day to provide your child with other essential nutrients. These include:

Foods from animals like meat, chicken, liver, egg, and fish are good sources of protein, iron, and zinc.
Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese are good sources of calcium, protein, and B vitamins.
Fruits and vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, papaya, mango, and other green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits – that are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Around 9 to 12 months, babies tend to easily pick up foods with their fingers- which we call “finger foods”. This can be introduced to them by this time. By 12 months or one year, babies are generally able to eat most of what the family eats but with modifications for safer easily chew and swallow complementary foods. Do not give them foods that can cause choking like nuts, whole grapes, candies, chunks of meat, and vegetables for food their food safety. Introducing new foods to them may also help in identifying their food source allergic reactions in the early stage.

Mothers need to give quality foods to their babies. Complementary foods given to babies should be soft, mashed, well-cooked, and prepared safely. Breastfeeding should not be stopped up to 2 years of the baby to ensure optimal nutrition while introducing complementary foods at the start of six months. Introducing a variety of foods every day to your babies can help them get the essential nutrients that they need for their continued growth and development.

NOI Kimberly Tanador, RND

References:

Guiding Principles for Complementary Feeding

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK148957/#:~:text=Complementary%20foods%20should%20provide%20sufficient,all%20his%20or%20her%20needs

WHO Complementary Feeding

https://www.who.int/health-topics/complementary-feeding#tab=tab_1

Complementary Feeding Methods—A Review of the Benefits and Risks

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8297117/