Feeding & Nutrition

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Feeding and nutrition are important aspects of a child's growth and development. Here are some tips on feeding and nutrition in children:

1. Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life. Breast milk provides all the nutrients that a baby needs, and it also contains antibodies that help protect the baby from infections.

2. Formula feeding: If a mother is unable to breastfeed, formula is a good alternative. Choose a formula that is appropriate for the baby's age and follow the instructions on the package for preparing and storing the formula.

3. Introduction of solid foods: Solid foods can be introduced around 6 months of age. Start with single-ingredient foods such as iron-fortified infant cereal, pureed vegetables, and fruits. Introduce new foods one at a time and wait a few days between new foods to watch for any allergic reactions.

4. Balanced diet: A balanced diet is important for children's growth and development. Encourage a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products. Limit sugary and fatty foods and drinks.

5. Mealtime routine: Establishing a regular mealtime routine can help children learn healthy eating habits. Encourage children to eat slowly and listen to their bodies' signals of fullness.

6. Hydration: Encourage children to drink water throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks such as soda and juice, which can contribute to obesity and tooth decay.

7. Special diets: If a child has special dietary needs due to allergies or medical conditions, work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to develop an appropriate meal plan.

Remember, it is important to lead by example and model healthy eating habits for children. Offer healthy foods, but also allow for occasional treats in moderation. By providing a healthy and balanced diet, parents can help ensure that their children are getting the nutrients they need for optimal growth and development.

Breastfeeding Myths

1. Myth: Breastfeeding is easy.

Babies are born with the reflex to look for their mother’s breast. However, many mothers need practical support with positioning their baby for breastfeeding and making sure their baby is correctly attached to the breast. Breastfeeding takes time and practice for both mothers and babies. Breastfeeding is also time intensive, so mothers need space and support at home and work.
 

2. Myth: It’s usual for breastfeeding to hurt – sore nipples are inevitable.

Many mothers experience discomfort in the first few days after birth when they are learning to breastfeed. But with the right support with positioning their baby for breastfeeding and making sure their baby is correctly attached to the breast, sore nipples can be avoided. If a mother faces breastfeeding challenges like sore nipples, support from a lactation consultant or other skilled professional can help them overcome the issue.

3. Myth: You should wash your nipples before breastfeeding.

Washing your nipples before breastfeeding isn’t necessary. When babies are born, they are already very familiar with their own mother’s smells and sounds. The nipples produce a substance that the baby smells and has ‘good bacteria’ that helps to build babies’ own healthy immune system for life.

Did you know? Breastfeeding protects your baby from ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and other childhood diseases.

4. Myth: You should separate a newborn and mother to let the mother rest. 

Doctors, nurses and midwives often encourage the practice of ‘skin-to-skin’ – also known as kangaroo mother care – immediately after birth. Bringing your baby in direct contact, so their skin is against yours, is a very important practice that helps them to find and attach to the breast. If you can practice this within one hour after birth and then frequently after, it helps to establish breastfeeding. If the mother cannot do this, then the partner or another family member can step in. 

5. Myth: You should only eat plain food while breastfeeding.

Like everybody else, breastfeeding mothers need to eat a balanced diet. In general, there is no need to change food habits. Babies are exposed to their mothers’ food preferences from the time they are in the womb. If a mother perceives that her baby reacts to a specific food she eats, it is best to consult a specialist. 

6. Myth: Exercise will affect the taste of your milk.

Exercise is healthy, also for breastfeeding mothers. There is no evidence that it affects the taste of your milk. 

7. Myth: You won’t be able to breastfeed unless you do it straight away.

It is easier to get breastfeeding started if you begin in the first hour after birth because a baby’s reflexes are very strong at that time. They are ready to learn to feed at the breast. If you do not latch your baby on right after birth, do it as soon as possible in your situation. If you need help putting your baby to the breast, ask for support from a qualified lactation consultant or other skilled professional. Frequent skin-to-skin contact and putting your baby to the breast will help to get breastfeeding going. 

Did you know? Breastfeeding protects the mother from diabetes, breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease and postpartum depression.

8. Myth: You can never use formula if you want to breastfeed. 

Mothers may decide they need to use formula on some occasions, while continuing to breastfeed. It is important to seek unbiased information on formula and other products that replace breastmilk. To keep breastmilk production going, continue offering the breast to your baby as often as possible. It can be useful for mothers to consult a lactation specialist or skilled professional to help with a plan that works best for them to continue breastfeeding.  

9. Myth: Many mothers can’t produce enough milk. 

Almost all mothers produce the right amount of milk for their babies. Breastmilk production is determined by how well the baby is latched on to the breast, the frequency of breastfeeding and how well the baby is removing milk with each feeding. Breastfeeding isn’t a ‘one woman’ job and mothers need support. Support like ongoing breastfeeding guidance from health care providers, help at home, and staying healthy by eating and drinking well. 

10. Myth: You shouldn't breastfeed if you’re sick.

Depending on the kind of illness, mothers can usually continue breastfeeding when they’re sick. You need to make sure you get the right treatment, and to rest, eat and drink well. In many cases, the antibodies your body makes to treat your disease or illness will pass on to your baby, building his or her own defences. 

11. Myth: You can’t take any medication if you’re breastfeeding.

It’s important to inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding and to read the instructions with any medications you buy over the counter. It might be necessary to take medications at a specific time or in a specific dosage, or to take an alternative formulation. You should also tell the baby’s doctor about any medications that you’re taking.

Did you know? The ‘first milk’ – or colostrum – is rich in antibodies and gives newborns an immunity boost while their own immune systems are still developing.

12. Myth: Babies who have been breastfed are clingy.

All babies are different. Some are clingy and some are not, no matter how they are fed. Breastfeeding provides not only the best nutrition for infants, but is also important for their developing brain. Breastfed babies are held a lot and because of this, breastfeeding has been shown to enhance bonding with their mother.  

13. Myth: It’s hard to wean a baby if you breastfeed for more than a year.

There’s no evidence that it is more difficult to stop breastfeeding after one year, but there is evidence that breastfeeding up to two years is beneficial for both mothers and children. All mothers and babies are different and need to determine together how long they want to breastfeed.

14. Myth: If you go back to work, you’ll have to wean your baby.

Many mothers continue breastfeeding after going back to work. First, check the policies in your country and your own workplace. If you have the right to time and a place to breastfeed during working hours, you may be able to go home and breastfeed, ask a family member or friend to bring your baby to you, or to express your milk and take it home. If you don’t have the option to breastfeed during working hours, look for moments during the day to express your milk and then feed your baby directly when you are at home. If you decide to give your baby a breastmilk substitute for some feeds, it still very good to continue breastfeeding whenever you are with your baby.
 

First foods (6-12 months)

  At 6 months of age, breastmilk continues to be a vital source of nutrition; but it’s not enough by itself. You need to now introduce your baby to solid food, in addition to breastmilk, to keep up with her growing needs.

  Be sure you give your baby her first foods after she has breastfed, or between nursing sessions, so that your baby continues to breastfeed as much as possible.

  When you start to feed your baby solid food, take extra care that she doesn’t become sick. As she crawls about and explores, germs can spread from her hands to her mouth. Protect your baby from getting sick by washing your and her hands with soap before preparing food and before every feeding.

Your baby's first foods

  When your baby is 6 months old, she is just learning to chew. Her first foods need to be soft so they’re very easy to swallow, such as porridge or well mashed fruits and vegetables. Did you know that when porridge is too watery, it doesn't have as many nutrients? To make it more nutritious, cook it until it’s thick enough not to run off the spoon.     

  Feed your baby when you see her give signs that she's hungry – such as putting her hands to her mouth. After washing hands, start by giving your baby just two to three spoonfuls of soft food, twice a day. At this age, her stomach is small so she can only eat small amounts at each meal.

  The taste of a new food may surprise your baby. Give her time to get used to these new foods and flavours. Be patient and don’t force your baby to eat. Watch for signs that she is full and stop feeding her then.

  As your baby grows, her stomach also grows and she can eat more food with each meal.

Feeding your baby: 6–8 months old

From 6–8 months old, feed your baby half a cup of soft food two to three times a day. Your baby can eat anything except honey, which she shouldn't eat until she is a year old. You can start to add a healthy snack, like mashed fruit, between meals. As your baby gets increasing amounts of solid foods, she should continue to get the same amount of breastmilk. 

Feeding your baby: 9–11 months old

From 9–11 months old, your baby can take half a cup of food three to four times a day, plus a healthy snack. Now you can start to chop up soft food into small pieces instead of mashing it. Your baby may even start to eat food herself with her fingers. Continue to breastfeed whenever your baby is hungry.

Each meal needs to be both easy for your baby to eat and packed with nutrition. Make every bite count.

Foods need to be rich in energy and nutrients. In addition to grains and potatoes, be sure your baby has vegetables and fruits, legumes and seeds, a little energy-rich oil or fat, and – especially – animal foods (dairy, eggs, meat, fish and poultry) every day. Eating a variety of foods every day gives your baby the best chance of getting all the nutrients he needs.

If your baby refuses a new food or spits it out, don’t force it. Try again a few days later. You can also try mixing it with another food that your baby likes or squeezing a little breastmilk on top.

Feeding non-breastfed babies

If you're not breastfeeding your baby, she’ll need to eat more often. She'll also need to rely on other foods, including milk products, to get all the nutrition her body needs.

• Start to give your baby solid foods at 6 months of age, just as a breastfed baby would need. Begin with two to three spoonfuls of soft and mashed food four times a day, which will give her the nutrients she needs without breastmilk.
• From 6–8 months old, she’ll need half a cup of soft food four times a day, plus a healthy snack. 
• From 9–11 months old, she’ll need half a cup of food four to five times a day, plus two healthy snacks.