A Guide to Complimentary feeding in Infants.
NEW BORNSNIPPETS
Dr Praful Gowda
5 min read
The first year of a baby's life is a whirlwind of development. From those gummy smiles to wobbly first steps, each milestone marks a leap into a fascinating new world. And amidst this growth spurt, there comes a pivotal moment: the introduction of complementary feeding.
Around the age of 6 months, breast milk or formula alone can no longer keep up with an infant's growing nutritional needs. Enter “complementary foods”, along with breast milk , the colorful companions embarking on a voyage of discovery with your little one.
But where do you begin? Navigating this new feeding territory can be exciting, sometimes messy, and often filled with questions.
We try to answer the following questions in this article-
Why start complimentary feeding at 6 months?
Which foods to start?
What is an ideal complimentary food?
How to change food consistency and type for growing child?
Role of fruits & vegetables in complimentary feeds
·Role of commercial foods in complimentary feeding?
Why start complimentary feeding at 6 months?
1. Nutritional needs: Around 6 months, an infant's nutritional needs start to outpace what breast milk or formula alone can provide. Their rapid growth and development require additional sources of energy, iron, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients, which complementary foods can offer.
2. Developmental readiness: By 6 months, most infants show signs of developmental readiness for complementary foods. They have better head and neck control, can sit with support, and are developing hand-eye coordination, all of which are necessary for exploring and grasping food. They also start displaying an increased interest in their surroundings and what others are eating, indicating a natural curiosity about trying new things.
3. Iron stores: During the first 6 months, babies rely on the iron stores they received from their mothers during pregnancy. By 6 months, these stores begin to deplete, and introducing iron-rich complementary foods becomes crucial to prevent iron deficiency anemia, which can impact growth and development.
4. Gut development: By 6 months, an infant's digestive system is more mature and better equipped to handle foods other than breast milk or formula. Introducing a variety of textures and flavors at this stage helps promote healthy gut flora and reduces the risk of food allergies in the future.
5. Breastfeeding benefits: Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months provides optimal nutrition and immunological protection for infants. Delaying complementary feeding until then ensures they continue to receive all the benefits of breast milk.
6. Gradual transition: Starting complementary feeding at 6 months allows for a smooth and gradual transition from breast milk or formula to a wider range of foods. This gradual introduction helps infants adapt to new textures, flavors, and feeding mechanisms without overwhelming them.
7. Overall health and development: Introducing complementary foods at the right time promotes optimal growth and development, reduces the risk of nutrient deficiencies and food allergies, and establishes healthy eating habits early on.
Which foods to start?
APPROPRIATE :
1. Combination of cereals and pulses (Khichdi, Dalrice, etc.), locally available staple foods such as idli, dosa, dhokla, ragi, chapati, roti, paratha with oil/ ghee, and some amount of sugar.
2. Mashed banana, other pulpy fruits (e.g., mango, papaya), sweet potato, and potato
3. Milk-based cereals preparations
4. Sprouts, pulses, legumes, groundnuts, almonds, cashewnuts, raisins (Note: Any nut should be well grinded and mixed with food as solid pieces may cause choking in young children)
AVOID :
1. Biscuits, breads, pastry, chocolates, cheese, softy, ice cream, doughnuts, cakes, etc.
2. Tinned foods, packaged or stored foods, artificially cooked foods with preservatives or chemicals
3. Fruit juices and fruit drinks
4. Commercial breakfast cereals
5. Repeatedly fried foods containing trans-fatty acids (which predispose to obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiac, and neurological problems in future)
What is an ideal complimentary feed?
When choosing complimentary foods for your infant, prioritize options that tick several boxes to ensure they provide optimal nutrition and support healthy development. Here are some key characteristics of an ideal complimentary food:
Nutrient-rich:
· High in energy density: Infants have high energy needs for their rapid growth. Look for foods rich in calories, like grains, avocados, and healthy fats.
· Packed with essential nutrients: Focus on foods that provide iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients that breast milk or formula alone may not be sufficient in. Examples include iron-fortified cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables, and egg yolks.
· Balanced macro-nutrients: Choose foods that offer a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to support optimal growth and development.
Developmentally appropriate:
· Smooth and easy to swallow: For beginners, start with smooth purees or mashed textures to ensure safe swallowing and prevent choking. Gradually introduce lumpier textures as your baby's coordination improves.
· Age-specific consistency: Adapt the texture and thickness of the food to your baby's developmental stage. Thicker purées for 6-month-olds can gradually progress to mashed foods and eventually bite-sized pieces as they develop chewing skills.
· Appealing flavors: Introduce various flavors early on to expand your baby's palate and encourage a love for different tastes. Start with naturally sweet flavors like sweet potato or banana and gradually explore other vegetables and fruits.
Safe and healthy:
· Fresh or minimally processed: Opt for fresh ingredients or lightly processed, low-sodium options whenever possible. Avoid sugary ingredients, artificial additives, and excessive salt.
· Hygienically prepared: Maintain proper hygiene during food preparation and storage to prevent food borne illnesses. Wash hands thoroughly before handling food, ensure utensils are clean, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
· Allergy-friendly: Introduce potential allergens one at a time and watch for any signs of allergic reactions, such as rashes, hives, or vomiting. Consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Additionally:
· Variety is key: Offer a diverse range of textures, flavors, and colors to expose your baby to different nutrients and stimulate their taste buds.
· Locally sourced: Consider incorporating locally available foods that are affordable and fresh to support regional agriculture and your family's budget.
· Family-friendly: Choose ingredients you can also incorporate into your family meals, promoting shared mealtimes and positive food experiences.
How to change food consistency and type for growing child?
At 6 months of age, start with pureed, mashed, and semi-solid foods.
Most infants can eat “finger foods” around 8 months.
Most children can eat the family foods by the end of 1 year.
Avoid foods that may be lodged in the windpipe (such as nuts, grapes, and raw carrots) and can result in choking.
Fruits & Vegetables in complimentary feeds?
Fruits and vegetables provide minerals and vitamins and thus increases nutritive value of foods.
Green leafy vegetables, carrots, pumpkin, and seasonal fruits such as papaya, mango, chikoo, and banana are important sources of vitamin A, B, and iron.
Include seasonal, locally available, fresh, cheap, nutritious fruits, and vegetables.
What is the role of commercial foods in complementary feeding?
Many commercial foods are available in market for Complementary Feeding: Feeding of an Infant Beyond 6 Months Age feeding infants. They are expensive, and often have tall and exaggerated health claims. Many a times, the ready-to-use food, artificial or packaged food are easily available but may not be a healthier or suitable option for feeding children. As far as possible, child’s food should be prepared at home using commonly available ingredients.
Bonus tips:
· Involve your baby in meal prep! Let them watch you cook, touch the food, and even help stir (safely, of course).
· Make family meals a shared experience. Include age-appropriate versions of your food on your baby's plate, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging healthy family eating habits.
· Remember, every baby is unique. Consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance and adjust feeding practices based on your little one's specific needs and development.