Write a short note on Complementary Feeding.

Definition

Complementary feeding is the process of introducing semi-solid/solid foods alongside breast milk when breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet the infant's nutritional needs — recommended from the completed 6 months (180 days).

WHY at 6 Months?

• Breast milk alone no longer meets energy, iron and zinc needs after 6 months.
• The gut and kidneys are mature enough, and there is neuromuscular readiness (sitting with support, good head/tongue control).
• Starting too early → displaces breast milk, risk of infection & allergy; too late → growth faltering & micronutrient deficiency.

Signs of Readiness

• Able to sit with support and hold the head steady.
• Loss of the tongue-thrust (extrusion) reflex — food is not automatically pushed out.
• Shows interest in food and makes chewing movements; still hungry after breastfeeds.

Principles (WHO 'faduf')

• F — Frequency: 2–3 meals/day at 6–8 months; 3–4 meals + 1–2 snacks at 9–24 months.
• A — Amount: start with 2–3 teaspoonfuls, gradually increasing to ~250 mL/meal.
• D — Density: thick, energy-dense foods (add oil/ghee/sugar); not thin/watery.
• U — Utilisation / variety: cereals, pulses, vegetables, egg, milk products, fruits — a diverse diet.
• F — Feeding: responsive, active feeding with clean hands and utensils; continue breastfeeding on demand.

Practical Points

• Introduce one new food at a time; use locally available home foods (khichdi, mashed dal-rice, banana, curd).
• Maintain hygiene to prevent diarrhoea; avoid bottle feeding, sugary drinks and commercial junk food.
• By ~1 year the child can share a soft, mashed version of the family diet.

Examples of Local Foods

• Cereal-pulse mixes (khichdi, dalia), mashed rice-dal with ghee.
• Mashed banana, curd, boiled & mashed potato, seasonal fruits.
• Egg, milk products, and green leafy vegetables as the child grows.

Common Mistakes

• Too-dilute/watery feeds; too few meals; stopping breastfeeding.
• Bottle feeding, sugary drinks and commercial junk foods; poor hygiene.

Starting earlier displaces breast milk; later causes growth faltering.