Motherhood is a journey filled with important milestones, and one of the most crucial is transitioning from exclusive breastfeeding to a complementary diet. During the first few years of life, breastfeeding provides essential nutrients, builds immunity, and fosters a deep emotional bond between mother and child. As babies grow, their nutritional needs change, making it necessary to introduce additional foods. To help mothers navigate this transition smoothly, we spoke to our expert Dr Neeta Bhargava, Smile Train Nutrition Advisor, HOD and Senior Consultant, Department of Paediatrics, Vivekananda Polyclinic and Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, who shared tips during World Breastfeeding Week.
Tips on Transitioning from Breastfeeding to a Complementary Diet
As babies grow, their nutritional needs evolve, making it necessary to introduce complementary food alongside continued breastfeeding. Transitioning from exclusive breastfeeding to a complementary diet can be a delicate process, and ensuring it is done correctly is vital for a child’s health and cognitive development. Here are some key tips to help guide this transition:
Start At The Right Time
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends beginning complementary feeding at six months of age while continuing to breastfeed until at least two years old or beyond. At six months, breast milk alone no longer meets all the nutritional requirements of a growing baby. Introducing additional foods helps provide the necessary energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development.
Introduce a Variety of Foods
“When starting complementary feeding, it is important to offer a variety of home-cooked nutrient-rich foods. One must start with soft, mashed foods that are easy to swallow and then gradually introduce a mix of cereals, pulses, fruits, and vegetables,” said Dr Bhargava.
At the same time, it is also important to ensure that the food is energy-dense by adding small amounts of ghee, butter, oil, jaggery, and sugar which helps to meet the baby’s increased caloric needs. Over time, as the baby grows, mothers can increase the variety and texture of foods to include more options. One should always go for locally available, culturally acceptable, and home-cooked meals for the child.
Maintain Proper Feeding Practices
Good feeding practices are crucial during this transition. It is critical to ensure that mothers maintain proper hygiene while preparing and feeding their babies. It is recommended to always wash hands before preparing food and use clean utensils to avoid contamination. Feeding the baby with patience is equally important. Offer food multiple times, if necessary, as some babies might initially reject new tastes and textures.
Monitor Portion Sizes
“Quantity is equally important as quality. Start with small portions when introducing new foods and gradually increase the quantity as your baby becomes more accustomed to the new diet. Consistency of foods should be appropriate to the developmental readiness of the child in munching, chewing, and swallowing,” added Dr Bhargava. Be mindful of how much the baby eats and avoid force-feeding, as this can create a negative association with eating.
Also Read: World Breastfeeding Week 2023: Expert Explains How Breastfeeding Boosts Baby's Immune System
Continue Breastfeeding
Even as complementary foods are introduced, continue breastfeeding regularly. Breast milk remains an essential source of nutrients and antibodies, contributing to the baby’s immune system and overall health. Combining breast milk and complementary foods will provide a balanced diet supporting healthy growth.
Special Considerations for Babies Born With Cleft
Babies born with clefts often need special feeding techniques, as difficulties in latching can lead to low food intake and malnutrition. “Contrary to myths, with adequate support, babies with clefts can drink breast milk and swallow solid foods. Breastfeeding also helps in toning orofacial muscles which is crucial for speech development. If direct breastfeeding isn’t possible, expressed breast milk should be given using a spoon or paladai,” highlighted Dr Bhargava.
Bottomline
Dr Bhargava concluded, “The timely introduction of complementary foods at six months is essential to prevent malnutrition. Food consistency should be adjusted to avoid regurgitation and keeping the baby’s head at a 45-degree angle during feeding can aid in proper swallowing. Regular pediatric consultations ensure these babies receive all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.”
“With the right guidance and support, mothers can successfully feed their babies with clefts, ensuring they receive the nutrition they need for a healthy start in life. Proper nutrition is crucial for timely cleft surgery, so it’s essential to support mothers in feeding their infants effectively”, added Dr Bhargava.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]