Infant and young child feeding (IYCF), composed of breastfeeding and complementary feeding – two important aspects of a child’s nutrition, were discussed in the seventh episode of BIDANI NutriLive online nutrition school-on-the-air program, aired on 09 December 2020 over Radyo DZLB.
Assistant Professor Aiza Kris Bernardo of the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food (IHNF) explained that babies 0-6 months old shall be breastfed exclusively. She also articulated the concept of breastfeeding on demand, wherein a baby shall be breastfed only when s/he is showing hunger cues. The ideal frequency of breastfeeding is every two to three hours, or eight to 12 times within a 24-hour span.
When a baby cries, looks and feels uneasy, opens his/her mouth and swings his/her head sideways, puts his/her tongue out, or sucks his/her fingers or fist, these are hunger cues.
Breastfeeding has many benefits, according to aProf. Bernardo. She explained that breastmilk has all the nutrients that a baby needs. Colostrum, or the first milk secreted through breastfeeding, is rich in vitamin A. Breastmilk also improves the immune system of the child. Various studies have also shown that breastfed infants also have improved cognitive skills. A child and her mother are also able to closely bond through breastfeeding.
Aside from the benefits for the child, breastfeeding also has positive effects on the mother. aProf. Bernardo said that breastfeeding helps mothers lose weight after birth. Breastfeeding also lessens mothers’ risks in getting breast and cervical cancer.
Complementary feeding, meanwhile, is appropriate for children six months to two years old. Breastfeeding still continues for children of the aforementioned age, but is complemented by appropriate food. According to aProf. Bernardo, complementary foods should come from the following food groups: energy-rich foods, such as rice, corn, and potatoes; protein-rich foods, such as meat and fish; vitamins from fruits and vegetables; and added energy and flavor from fats and oils.
On a child’s sixth month, complementary feeding may start from porridge made from rice, corn, or potatoes, or mashed banana or potatoes. For children 6-24 months old, mothers can now explore other types of food, such as root crops, vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, meat and eggs, or legumes. However, aProf. Bernardo reminds that the sizes of food should be appropriate for the age of the child, in order for the child to properly chew and swallow the food.
The recommended frequency of complementary feeding and food size depends on the age of the child, as follows:
- Six months old: two times daily; two to three tablespoons
- Six to nine months old: three times daily; 1/2 cup (125 mL)
- Nine to 12 months old: four times daily; 1/2 cup (125 mL)
- 12 to 24 months old: five times daily; 3/4 to one cup
aProf. Bernardo reminded the program listeners and viewers, especially parents, to give the best nutrition to their babies and children, and enjoy loving their kids, especially on their first two years.
– Guien Eidrefson Garma