Life Desk :
Gradual introduction of liquid, soft and solid foods to an infant after 6 months of age along with usual milk feeds is called ‘complementary feeding’. It is a transition from exclusive breastfeeding to family foods. Such a transition takes place because ‘breastfeeding alone’ does not meet the nutritional needs of an infant.
World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that infants should be exclusively breast-fed for the first 6 months of life and then complementary foods should be introduced. Infants who are formula milk fed should also be introduced to complementary foods at 6 months of age.
As your baby cannot eat at one go, meals should be energy dense and small in portion size. Ghee/ oil/ unsalted butter and sugar/ jaggery can be added to meals to increase its calorie content without increasing the overall volume of the meal
The consistency of foods should be thick to provide more calories from small portion size
Complementary foods should be balanced and foods from all food groups must be included
Small snacks should be introduced between two meals, however snacks should not replace meals. Please note, biscuits and chips are not a snack option for your baby
Sugary drinks, tea and coffee should not be given to infants due to its low nutritive value
Homemade food preparation made out of cereal and pulse combination in the ratio 2:1 should be given to infants. Such preparations are economical and can be easily made at home under hygienic conditions
Importance of Nutritious Foods in your Baby’s Growth and Development
A baby gains triple the amount of weight at the end of their first year as compared to their birth weight. A balanced and wholesome diet during infancy and childhood is the pillar of healthy adulthood.
Poor nutrition during this phase lowers overall immunity and baby may get more prone to infections and diseases. It can further negatively affect the growth and development of the baby.
Research has found that poor nutrition during childhood impairs intellectual performance. Women who were malnourished during childhood can have a negative impact on their reproductive health later in life.
Malnutrition during first 2 years of life can lead to stunting. Such a child when he/she turns into an adult will be shorter than his potential height.
The rate of growth and development of an infant depends on the complementary feeding period. The type of food consumed, consistency of food and composition of the entire meal influences the overall health of a baby. Here are the best 5 foods for your baby:
Avocado is a fruit with high amount of healthy fat and dietary fiber. Avocados are an amazing source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), a healthy fat which is essential for the growth and development of the brain and central nervous system.
Fat present in avocado is further required for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K.
Avocado contains ‘linoleic acid’ which is associated with optimal growth of infants. In addition to this, avocado contains dietary fiber (30 grams of avocado contains 2 grams of fiber) that helps in healthy bowel movement and prevents constipation.
For babies up to 10 months old a smooth avocado puree can be given. Once the baby turns more than 10 months old, avocado can be given in the mashed form.
Studies have found that sweet potato is a wholesome food for infants. It’s natural sweet taste makes it perfect for babies.
Sweet potato is a dense source of energy. 100 grams of sweet potatoes contain 90 calories. Such a calorie count makes it favorable for healthy growth and development of the baby.
Sweet potato is loaded with nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Vitamin A is important for the growth of cells and healthy development of eyes. It further enhances the immune system and protects your baby against infections.
Potassium and magnesium prevent weakness of muscles and improve the overall health of muscles and bones.
Besides this, it is a good source of dietary fiber. Eating fiber-rich foods will keep your baby’s gut healthy.
Sweet potato can be given in the form of puree to infants who are 8 months or above. After 1 year of age, small pieces of sweet potato can be given. Homemade cereal-pulse mixture in the ratio of 2:1 should be given to babies 3 to 4 times a day.
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