Currently, there are several main trends in introducing complementary foods. Let's list 4 main directions.
- Classic "Soviet complementary feeding"
As part of this approach to complementary feeding, our relatives, as well as some doctors, usually advise: introduce complementary foods early, up to 6 months (more about the timing), in large quantities - that is, the volume of complementary foods quickly increases to the “norm” that the child is simply obliged to eat; breastfeeding are replaced meals (that is, food is given INSTEAD of breastfeeding). The child is introduced to various dairy products - cottage cheese, kefir; juices (see about juices) and more. Complementary feeding is introduced only with pureed semi-liquid food, the mother always feeds with a spoon, and the baby sits in a high chair. If the child does not want to, the mother is obliged to feed him, so she either distracts the child - shows puppet theater, cartoons, etc., either persuades or even pushes food into the mouth.
Eating a child is the most important event to which adults devote a lot of attention and effort. It's a whole ceremony. Food for children is always prepared separately.
Flaws. It happens that children develop normally and eat on this type of complementary food, but it often happens that children refuse to eat so much complementary food so early, refuse to sit in a chair, refuse to eat something different from their parents (why do they give me one thing, but they themselves eat something else? it's a mess!) and demand food from the common table, pieces, etc. It happens that after such an introduction of complementary foods, children cannot chew at all for a very long time and only eat purees; it happens that they eat only for entertainment and distraction. The main danger is to instill in a child a hatred of food and poor appetite.
For some reason, many of us believe that children always eat poorly, but don’t you think that this should actually be the exception and not the rule? After all, a child is endowed by nature with a normal feeling of hunger, a normal appetite, and self-regulation of these processes. Our “smaller brothers” are not familiar with the problems when their children, although healthy, do not want to eat.
Issues directly related to breastfeeding - the two most common are: 1) the child eats complementary foods very poorly, because... he has developed negative associations with the process of eating, and “hangs” on his chest, 2) the child, on the contrary, happily eats complementary foods in large portions already at six months, and the mother’s milk unexpectedly begins to quickly decrease and the child switches to IV before he turns one year old .
So, this method of introducing complementary foods very often leads to problems, and is therefore NOT RECOMMENDED by breastfeeding consultants, modern pediatricians and psychologists.
- Modern pediatric complementary feeding. If you like to feed your child separately prepared food, follow the “norms” and patterns, you will like the complementary feeding regimen that many modern pediatricians advise. A clear scheme is also maintained here - in what order the foods are introduced, what complementary foods are first, second, third, the child eats food separate from other family members (determined by the scheme), at the same time, everything is reasonable - breastfeeding is not abruptly replaced, but is supplemented with breastfeeding first after complementary feeding; introduction of complementary foods from 6 months (more about the timing), they allow you to try not only purees from a certain age. The child is not entertained while eating and is not forced to eat.
- Eat softened version of pediatric complementary feeding, which contains fewer restrictions and recommendations. It is close to complementary feeding recommended by WHO () and La Leche League (). The child is given approximately the same foods that the whole family eats, but, for example, without salt, and not everything that the family eats, but something selective (for example, if the mother eats rice with sausage, only rice is given). There is not too much special effort involved - the food is not pureed or blended, but perhaps kneaded. Products are not introduced too quickly, one at a time, starting with small doses. There is no restriction that it must be once a day, but a small amount can be taken several times a day (if there is no tendency to allergies) - as if familiarizing yourself with food. The child does not necessarily eat the “norm”, but while he is small, he definitely drinks it from the breast. The innate desire to eat is encouraged. The child is given small pieces of food (very small) early.
- And there is a general direction" pedagogical complementary feeding". "Pedagogical" means that we first of all teach the child - we teach him to eat, proper behavior at the table, we teach that food is joy and pleasure, we show new tastes. Here we are talking about the fact that the child's nutrition begins with "microdoses" (grains of food), nothing is pureed or blended, and the child’s food is not even kneaded - together with the family, as much as he can eat, nothing is specially prepared, the family is encouraged to switch to a healthy diet. "Rozhana" () has developed this direction. into a methodology that regulates all the behavior of mother and child, which must be strictly followed so that there are no problems with eating behavior, this is more interesting to supporters of the “only right way.” Other organizations offer softer options for pedagogical complementary feeding, where there are not many strict restrictions.
Many consultants recommend something between “pediatric” and “pedagogical” complementary feeding. Many families combine approaches, so it is very helpful to familiarize yourself with several options (see below) and also with the exchange of experience ()!
Complementary feeding 2 (modern pediatric)
Complementary foods 3 (softened)
Complementary foods 4 ("pedagogical"). It is especially suitable for children who refuse to eat liquid and pureed foods, or who simply do not eat well.
Complementary feeding today is introduced using one of two techniques, which are radically different from each other. Each of them is based on its own concept.
- Pediatric complementary feeding. Its basis is the belief that a child over 4-6 months begins to lack the energy value of mother's milk or formula. The introduction of new products into the baby’s diet is intended to compensate for the lack of necessary elements.
- Pedagogical complementary feeding is the second type of technique, which involves the continuation of lactation for up to a year or more. Acquaintance with new products is for informational purposes and is not intended to fill the lack of energy needs. The child, according to this complementary feeding technique, tastes absolutely everything that the parents eat, while the food is not crushed or ground into puree.
What position does the World Health Organization take on this issue? She takes a neutral position, which we will discuss further.
Pediatric complementary feeding involves introducing into the diet exactly those products that will make up for the missing nutritional value of mother's milk as the baby grows up.Research and scientific facts have made it possible to formulate basic rules for the nutrition of children under 2 years of age. The issue of developing a concept for children's nutrition received wide coverage early age, including complementary feeding, which was discussed at a global conference attended by WHO and UNICEF specialists. A number of provisions were adopted.
Rules for introducing complementary foods
- The best food is breast milk. Given a choice between natural and artificial feeding, preference should be given to the first. Breastfeeding creates ideal conditions for the harmonious development of the child.
- Complementary feeding according to medical indications. For the first six months of life, the child is exclusively breastfed. In the absence of any other medical indications, complementary feeding is introduced after 6 months. Until this period, the child does not need additional drinks and food. It is recommended to maintain lactation for up to 2 years or more.
- Balanced diet. Food for the baby should be rich in useful minerals and vitamins, and also correspond to the capabilities of the child’s body. The amount of food should be compared with age standards. New foods should be introduced into the diet gradually, in small doses. The growth of the baby implies an increase in the amount of food consumed.
- Variety of tastes. According to the approved WHO complementary feeding scheme, a child's food should be varied. The children's diet must include vegetables, cereals, poultry, meat, eggs and fish. The lack of breast milk can be replenished with mineral and vitamin complexes, which could add nutritional value to the daily diet.
- Adaptation of food according to age. At the age of 6 months, the child begins to eat pureed, pureed or semi-solid food. From the age of 8 months, it is possible to switch to eating foods that can be eaten with your hands (we recommend reading:). After a year, you can start feeding the child food that the rest of the family eats.
- Continued lactation. The main food is still mother's milk. Complementary feeding, according to WHO, is introduced to meet increasing energy needs, because with age the child becomes more active. The baby should receive mother's milk in the required volume. The mother-baby tandem and on-demand feeding lasts up to a year or even two.
Are all ages submissive to complementary feeding?
The description of the rules and actions is presented above in accordance with the opinions of a whole council of experts. Among other things, parents should consider individual characteristics and your child’s readiness to introduce complementary foods. A baby who is lagging behind in weight gain will require an earlier date for starting complementary feeding - 4 months of age in this case will be justified. Another child feels great and develops fully, eating only mother’s milk. Perhaps in this case, the introduction of complementary foods should begin closer to 8 months.
All healthy children, according to WHO recommendations, should start trying complementary foods no earlier than 6 months. More early dates complementary feeding will help reduce lactation, which will eventually become impossible until one and a half years, as recommended by the main pediatrics of Russia, or up to 2 years, according to the World Health Organization.
Yakov Yakovlev, an AKEV expert, argues that 6 months of age is not a mandatory number, but only the average time for starting complementary feeding. It is preferable to start introducing new products a little later. Mothers of bottle-fed or breastfed children whose children are gaining weight well may well heed this advice (more details in the article:). The only indicator for an earlier start of complementary feeding is insufficient weight (we recommend reading:).
Complementary feeding table
Breastfeeding is maintained in the maximum possible quantities when new products are introduced. Babies on IV should receive 1-2 cups of cow's milk from 8 months. More detailed diagram nutrition can be found in tables compiled by pediatric specialists.
The World Health Organization points out the importance of the following:
- It is difficult to strike a balance when switching to new products. Not only does the child’s body have a hard time absorbing new types of food, but the food itself may not be nutritious enough. Experts from the World Health Organization note that many children under 5 years of age do not receive the required amount of nutritious and energy foods. The child's diet should be balanced and nutritious, and offered in sufficient quantity.
- Product safety. When preparing food, you need to make it as safe as possible for your baby. Properly prepared food will reduce the risk of intestinal infections.
- Interest in new things is encouraged. The baby's interest in new types of food should be supported and developed by helping him get acquainted with new types of foods.
If a child is interested in some product that is not prohibited, you can try to give it unscheduled Algorithm for introducing complementary foods
WHO's step-by-step instructions for mothers are as follows:
- Patience. The introduction of complementary foods requires maximum sensitivity from the mother. Be prepared for the fact that not everything you prepare will be appreciated by your baby. Be patient, don't shout and force him to eat. While eating, speak in a soft voice, set eye contact. Feeding should be done slowly, without rushing.
- Purity. Don't forget about hygiene of cutlery and plates, as well as washing food thoroughly. Teach your baby to eat clean. To do this, always wipe the dirty table and do not forget to remove traces of food from the child’s face and hands.
- Gradual introduction of products. Introducing new foods should start with small portions. If the body reacts positively, gradually increase the volume.
- Adapt your food. The consistency of the food must be age standards. An older baby also receives a more varied consistency of products.
- Number of feedings by age. Consider age-specific feeding recommendations for children. Complementary foods for a 6-month-old baby are administered 2-3 times a day (more details in the article:). This number increases to 4 when the baby grows a little. When appetite appears between feedings, an additional 1 or 2 snacks can be introduced.
- Consider your child's preferences. Try to make sure your child likes the food you offer him. Lack of interest in a particular dish can be changed by experimenting with the combination or consistency of foods.
- Increasing the amount of drinking. After a year, when less breast milk is consumed, the child should be given various compotes, baby juices without sugar or baby teas more often.
Patience and love are the key to a good appetite
It is strictly forbidden to force a child to eat. The introduction of complementary foods should be voluntary. Violence in this regard will lead to the child refusing any type of food. Create favorable conditions for trying new foods so that your child enjoys the process. A positive attitude from parents, affection and attention are the main companions to starting a new activity.
The introduction of complementary foods is an important stage in the life and development of a child. Proper motivation and easy learning will help you end up with a well-eating baby, and not a stubborn one with a small tooth. All WHO advice is designed to organize feeding as safely and comfortably as possible. Taking into account the advice of experts, you guarantee your child harmonious development based on a healthy and balanced diet.
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Today, there are two systems for introducing first complementary foods to babies. These systems have their own characteristics, so parents should distinguish between them.
— The essence of pediatric complementary feeding is to introduce the required nutrients into the child’s body through the consumption of a number of foods. Pediatricians believe that already from 4-6 months the baby does not have enough calorie content from breast milk or formula.
— With pedagogical complementary feeding, the consumption of foods is associated with familiarization with food as such. Complementary feeding does not affect breastfeeding and is not associated with replenishing calorie intake. The baby gradually eats with his parents from the common table. When teaching complementary feeding, food is not pureed.
The World Health Organization remains neutral in recommending the concept of first feeding.
Pediatric complementary feeding is aimed at consuming foods to replenish the diet with nutritional components, since breast milk or formula is no longer enough for the baby.
Scientific research in the field of development of children under two years of age has determined the main provisions of nutrition and the norms of first complementary feeding. At a global conference on infant nutrition, representatives of UNICEF and WHO adopted fundamental principles.
First feeding procedure
- The ideal food for babies is mother's milk. Breastfeeding is a priority for the mother. In addition to good nutrition, the baby develops harmoniously in comfortable conditions.
— Early complementary feeding is introduced for medical reasons - the basis for early complementary feeding for infants. For the first 6 months after birth, the baby is fed breast milk. If there are no medical indications, then the first complementary foods should be introduced after six months. As a rule, until this age, the baby does not require any other nutrition. It is ideal to continue lactation until at least 2 years or more.
- Balanced food. The child's diet should be nutritious, age-appropriate, enriched with vitamins and minerals. New product should be administered little by little, in small portions, in accordance with age. As they grow, the volume of food increases.
- Varied food. The child's diet should include fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and cereals. Complexes of minerals and vitamins will help replenish the energy value of food during breastfeeding.
— Compliance of food with age standards. Starting from six months, the baby can try pureed, semi-solid and pureed food. From 8-9 months, the child is able to eat food with his hands. At the age of 12 months, the mother can offer the child food from the common table.
- Prolonged lactation. The main food is breast milk. Try to feed your child on demand until he is 2-3 years old. As the child grows, he becomes active and needs more calories, which is why new foods are introduced.
At what age should it be administered?
In addition to following the conclusions of a number of specialists in the nutrition of young children, parents need to take into account the developmental characteristics and degree of readiness of the baby for new food. In case of underweight, the child should be introduced to complementary foods before 6 months. If the baby is gaining weight well, is active, and cheerful, then you can hold off on complementary feeding and start at 7-8 months.WHO notes that on average, complementary feeding of a baby should begin no earlier than 6 months. If you start feeding early for no apparent reason, you can disrupt lactation, which WHO recommends maintaining for as long as possible.
Well-known AKEV expert, Yakov Yakovlev, expresses the opinion that six months is not a specific date for starting complementary feeding, but just an average. Don’t rush to introduce new foods to your baby; he eats and gains weight well. Only insufficient weight gain is the basis for early complementary feeding.
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Norms for introducing complementary foods in the table
The table contains practical standards, according to WHO, for the introduction of first complementary foods for young children. Recommendations are for 90 days:
| Day | New product | Gram | Teaspoon | Product introduced | Gram | Teaspoon | ||
| Introduce zucchini in the morning. Then finish breakfast as usual (breast milk, formula) until the baby is satisfied. | ||||||||
| 1 | Zucchini puree | 2-3 | 0,5 | |||||
| 2 | Zucchini puree | 6-8 | 1 | |||||
| 3 | Zucchini puree | 18-21 | 2-3 | |||||
| 4 | Zucchini puree | 35-42 | 6-8 | |||||
| 5 | Zucchini puree | 65-72 | 11-13 | |||
| 6 | 115-122 | 19-21 | ||||
| 7 | Zucchini puree, 1 tsp. oils | 165-167 | 26-28 | |||
| Feeding with cauliflower. Prepare 2 purees. First introduce cauliflower, then zucchini. At lunch breast milk/formula | ||||||
| 8 | Cauliflower puree | 2-3 | 0,5 | Zucchini puree, 1 tsp. oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 9 | Cauliflower puree | 6-8 | 1 | Zucchini puree, 1 tsp. oils | 161-163 | 25-27 |
| 10 | Cauliflower puree | 18-21 | 2-3 | Zucchini puree, 1 tsp. oils | 148-150 | 23-25 |
| 11 | Cauliflower puree | 35-42 | 6-8 | Zucchini puree, 1 tsp. oils | 128-131 | 20-22 |
| 12 | Cauliflower puree | 65-72 | 11-13 | Zucchini puree, 1 tsp. oils | 98-101 | 15-17 |
| 13 | 115-122 | 19-21 | Zucchini puree, 1 tsp. oils | 48-52 | 7,0-8,1 | |
| 14 | Cauliflower puree, 1 tsp. oils | 165-167 | 26-28 | |||
| Enter broccoli. Prepare 2 purees. First add broccoli puree, then cauliflower or zucchini puree. At lunch breast milk/formula. | ||||||
| 15 | Broccoli puree | 2-3 | 0,5 | Cauliflower puree, 1 tsp. oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 16 | Broccoli puree | 6-8 | 1 | Zucchini puree, 1 tsp. oils | 161-163 | 25-27 |
| 17 | Broccoli puree | 18-21 | 2-3 | Cauliflower puree, 1 tsp. oils | 148-150 | 23-25 |
| 18 | Broccoli puree | 35-42 | 6-8 | Zucchini puree, 1 tsp. oils | 128-131 | 20-22 |
| 19 | Broccoli puree | 65-72 | 11-13 | Cauliflower puree, 1 tsp. oils | 98-101 | 15-17 |
| 20 | 115-122 | 19-21 | Zucchini puree | 48-52 | 7,0-8,1 | |
| 21 | Broccoli puree, 1 tsp. oils | 165-167 | 26-28 | 165-167 | 26-28 | |
| Feed buckwheat porridge for breakfast. Then finish breakfast as usual (breast milk, formula) until the baby is satisfied. Give already tested vegetables for lunch - serving 165-167 g | ||||||
| 22 | Buckwheat porridge | 2-3 | 0,5 | |||
| 23 | Buckwheat porridge | 6-8 | 1 | |||
| 24 | Buckwheat porridge | 18-21 | 2-3 | |||
| 25 | 35-42 | 6-8 | ||||
| 26 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 65-72 | 11-13 | |||
| 27 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 115-122 | 19-21 | |||
| 28 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 | |||
| Feeding rice porridge for breakfast. Prepare 2 porridges. First add rice porridge, then buckwheat. Give already tested vegetables for lunch - serving 165-167 g | ||||||
| 29 | Rice porridge | 2-3 | 0,5 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 30 | Rice porridge | 6-8 | 1 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 161-163 | 25-27 |
| 31 | Rice porridge | 18-21 | 2-3 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 148-150 | 23-25 |
| 32 | Rice porridge | 35-42 | 6-8 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 128-131 | 20-22 |
| 33 | Rice porridge | 65-72 | 11-13 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 98-101 | 15-17 |
| 34 | 115-122 | 19-21 | Buckwheat porridge | 48-52 | 7,0-8,1 | |
| 35 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 | |||
| Feeding corn porridge for breakfast. Prepare 2 porridges. First add corn porridge, then buckwheat or rice. Give already tested vegetables for lunch - serving 165-167 g | ||||||
| 36 | Corn porridge | 2-3 | 0,5 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 37 | Corn porridge | 6-8 | 1 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 161-163 | 25-27 |
| 38 | Corn porridge | 18-21 | 2-3 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 148-150 | 23-25 |
| 39 | Corn porridge | 35-42 | 6-8 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 128-131 | 20-22 |
| 40 | Corn porridge | 65-72 | 11-13 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 98-101 | 15-17 |
| 41 | 115-122 | 19-21 | Rice porridge | 48-52 | 7,0-8,1 | |
| 42 | Corn porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 | |||
| Feeding with pumpkin. You give already tested porridges for breakfast - serving 165-167 g | ||||||
| 43 | Pumpkin puree | 2-3 | 0,5 | Cauliflower puree, 1 tsp. oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 44 | Pumpkin puree | 6-8 | 1 | Zucchini puree, 1 tsp. oils | 161-163 | 25-27 |
| 45 | Pumpkin puree | 18-21 | 2-3 | Broccoli puree, 1 tsp. oils | 148-150 | 23-25 |
| 46 | Pumpkin puree | 35-42 | 6-8 | Cauliflower puree, 1 tsp. oils | 128-131 | 20-22 |
| 47 | Pumpkin puree | 65-72 | 11-13 | Zucchini puree, 1 tsp. oils | 98-101 | 15-17 |
| 48 | 115-122 | 19-21 | Broccoli puree, 1 tsp. oils | 48-52 | 7,0-8,1 | |
| 49 | Pumpkin puree, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 | |||
| Feeding with an apple for breakfast. Give already tested vegetables for lunch - serving 165-167 g | ||||||
| 50 | Applesauce | 2-3 | 0,5 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 51 | Applesauce | 6-8 | 1 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 52 | Applesauce | 14-18 | 2-4 | Corn porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 53 | Applesauce | 24-26 | 3-5 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 54 | Applesauce | 33-36 | 5-7 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 55 | Applesauce | 44-50 | 7-9 | Corn porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 56 | Applesauce | 55-65 | 9-11 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| Feeding millet porridge for breakfast. Give already tested vegetables for lunch - serving 165-167 g | ||||||
| 57 | Millet porridge | 2-3 | 0,5 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 58 | Millet porridge | 6-8 | 1 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 161-163 | 25-27 |
| 59 | Millet porridge | 18-21 | 2-3 | Corn porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 148-150 | 23-25 |
| 60 | Millet porridge | 35-42 | 6-8 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 128-131 | 20-22 |
| 61 | Millet porridge | 65-72 | 11-13 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 98-101 | 15-17 |
| 62 | 115-122 | 19-21 | Corn porridge | 48-52 | 7,0-8,1 | |
| 63 | Millet porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 | |||
| Complementary feeding with meat (rabbit), porridge. Give already tested vegetables for lunch - serving 165-167 g, applesauce 55-65 g | ||||||
| 64 | Rabbit meat | 2-4 | 0,5 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 65 | Rabbit meat | 7-9 | 0,5-1,5 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 66 | Rabbit meat | 15-17 | 2-4 | Corn porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 67 | Rabbit meat | 21-23 | 3-5 | Millet porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 68 | Rabbit meat | 27-33 | 4-6 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 69 | Rabbit meat | 36-42 | 6-8 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 70 | Rabbit meat | 45-53 | 7-9 | Corn porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| Feeding prunes for breakfast, porridge. Give already tested vegetables for lunch - serving 165-167 g, applesauce 55-65 g | ||||||
| 71 | Fruit puree with prunes | 2-3 | 0,5 | Millet porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 72 | Fruit puree with prunes | 6-8 | 1 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 73 | Fruit puree with prunes | 14-18 | 2-4 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 74 | Fruit puree with prunes | 24-26 | 3-5 | Corn porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 75 | Fruit puree with prunes | 33-36 | 5-7 | Millet porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 76 | Fruit puree with prunes | 44-50 | 7-9 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 77 | Fruit puree with prunes | 55-65 | 9-11 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| Complementary feeding with meat (turkey), porridge. Give already tried vegetables for lunch - a portion of 165-167 g, apple or prune puree 55-65 g | ||||||
| 78 | Turkey meat | 2-4 | 0,5 | Corn porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 79 | Turkey meat | 7-9 | 0,5-1,5 | Millet porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 80 | Turkey meat | 15-17 | 2-4 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 81 | Turkey meat | 21-23 | 3-5 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 82 | Turkey meat | 27-33 | 4-6 | Corn porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 83 | Turkey meat | 36-42 | 6-8 | Millet porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 84 | Turkey meat | 45-53 | 7-9 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| Feeding pears for breakfast. Give already tested vegetables for lunch - serving 165-167 g | ||||||
| 85 | Pear puree | 2-3 | 0,5 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 86 | Pear puree | 6-8 | 1 | Corn porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 87 | Pear puree | 14-18 | 2-4 | Millet porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 88 | Pear puree | 24-26 | 3-5 | Buckwheat porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 89 | Pear puree | 33-36 | 5-7 | Rice porridge, 1 tsp. drain | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 90 | Pear puree | 44-50 | 7-9 | Corn porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
| 91 | Pear puree | 55-65 | 9-11 | Millet porridge, 1 tsp. drain oils | 165-167 | 26-28 |
When introducing the first complementary foods, it is optimal for mothers to maintain lactation. Children who are bottle-fed can be given cow's milk up to 2 cups per day starting at 8 months. Ask your pediatrician for detailed nutritional plans.
WHO notes the essential points in the nutrition of young children:
— It is not so easy for a baby’s body to cope with the digestion and assimilation of new foods. Also, the food itself may have little nutritional value. From the beginning of complementary feeding, nutritional balance should be maintained. WHO representatives indicate that a large number of children under five years of age do not receive the required amount of nutrients. A balanced, comprehensive diet will provide the child with all the nutrients.
— The food is safe for the baby. Follow food preparation standards to minimize the occurrence of infectious diseases.
— Encourage the baby’s desire for unusual food. When your baby is interested in trying new foods, be sure to encourage his aspirations.
Treat him to a new product outside the scheme if the baby really wants it, except for those that are prohibited for objective reasons.
How to start complementary feeding?
WHO sequential algorithm for mothers:
- Calm. You should not rush, be attentive to the developmental features of the baby. Perhaps the baby will not like everything that his mother has prepared for him. Do not swear, scream or force-feed your baby. When feeding, speak patiently and gently to your baby and make eye contact. Feed your baby in a comfortable and calm environment.
- Cleanliness. Make sure cutlery and plates are clean. Wash all vegetables and fruits. Immediately remove any leftover food from the table and wash the baby.
— Consistency in complementary feeding. It is necessary to introduce the baby to new food with small portions. If no reaction occurs, increase the amount of serving.
- Suitable food. Food should be adapted to the baby's age. As the child grows up, he will receive a variety of foods.
- Meals according to age. Feed your baby according to his age. The first complementary foods are given 1-3 times a day for a six-month-old baby. Then increase up to 4 times as the child grows. If a child has an appetite in addition to main meals, it is recommended to introduce 1-2 snacks.
- Cook according to your baby's tastes. Consider the foods your baby likes. If you have no desire for a certain food, then try to combine and change the recipe and cooking process.
- Drink enough fluids. Already from 12 months, mother’s milk is not enough, so do not forget to give the baby something to drink. Water, compote, weak tea, juice (without sugar) will do.
Love and patience are the basis of appetite
Under no circumstances should you force your baby to eat. It is worth starting complementary feeding if the baby himself is drawn to new food. Any violent actions can cause psychological trauma, followed by refusal to eat. Create a comfortable and friendly environment that encourages your baby to eat.
There are many controversial opinions surrounding complementary feeding today. Several decades ago, complementary feeding began as early as three weeks of a baby’s life, but now the period for introducing solid food is being pushed back further and further.
Mothers and especially grandmothers find themselves in difficulty, and some doctors do not have time to refresh their knowledge... What are the modern ideas about complementary feeding?
What is complementary feeding?
Approaches to complementary feeding try to explain many terms. Mothers who actively communicate on the Internet have probably heard about the so-called pedagogical and pediatric complementary feeding, the practices of which actively explain the differences between these systems... In fact, everything is simpler. The World Health Organization, after several large studies of infant nutrition around the world, has made recommendations for complementary feeding that are quite consistent with the views of most experienced mothers.
According to WHO, complementary feeding is the feeding of infants with foods and liquids in addition to breast milk or adapted formula. First the children get food transition period are complementary feeding products specifically designed to meet specific needs infant; and then it’s time for food from the family table. Children are physically able to consume foods from the family table by the age of one year, after which those foods no longer need to be modified to satisfy
special needs of the infant.
When?
Surprisingly, back in the 30s and 40s of the last century, pediatricians called six months the optimal time to start complementary feeding. The early start of complementary feeding in the 50s and 60s was directly related to the widespread artificial feeding and the fact that mothers went to work very early, and the formulas of that time did not satisfy the child’s needs for vitamins.
Over time, when the composition of formulas was improved and more and more new research results were received on the health of children on early complementary feeding, the timing of complementary feeding was pushed back further and further. From three weeks to a month and a half, then to three, to four, and finally to six. The test of time has shown that pre-war pediatricians were right.
What are the dangers of complementary feeding too early? It turns out that the earlier it is introduced, the greater the threat of dyspeptic diseases and food allergies due to the immaturity of the children's intestines. Against this background, the risk of malnutrition increases, because an immature child’s body does not yet produce sufficient enzymes that help digest “adult” food. Studies constantly conducted by WHO (the most recent of which were conducted in seven countries around the world in 2002) have confirmed that the introduction of complementary feeding before six months increases the risk of pneumonia and recurrent otitis media due to a decrease in the overall body resistance of babies. Children who were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life began to crawl and walk earlier compared to children who received solid food shortly after four months of age. For all these reasons, starting complementary feeding at six months is the official recommendation of the health ministries of most countries around the world, including the USA and Russia.
At the same time, the introduction of complementary foods can actually begin a little later if the baby’s maturation is delayed or the baby is sick. It happens that a mother is worried: the child is already seven months old, but he does not show any interest in complementary feeding, and the signs of readiness to receive complementary feeding have not yet all appeared - is it really necessary to force-feed? Of course, you don't need to do this! WHO in its recommendations indicates that if the mother eats well, then the baby is guaranteed to have all the nutrients and microelements of breast milk until about 8 months. The global recommendation to start complementary feeding from 6 months is made taking into account the fact that in fact not all mothers today eat normally, especially those who live in “third world” countries!
How?
The purpose of complementary feeding is to provide the baby with additional energy. And since his ventricle is still very small, with an energy value lower than that of breast milk, it turns out that the child, on the contrary, loses energy and nutrients. Therefore, complementary feeding products must have a high energy and micronutrient density, and they must be given in small quantities and often. Porridge, broth and similar products that are too thin (10%, as previously advised) cannot act as complementary foods - for the baby this is a serious loss in the quality of food!
After six months, the substances that the child first begins to lack are iron and zinc. Therefore, porridge or vegetables, which contain iron and zinc in fairly easily digestible forms, are recommended as a child’s first complementary food. If your child is not gaining weight well or has loose stool- It’s better to start with cereals, but if the baby gets stronger more often, then you should start with vegetables. The second complementary food, respectively, is vegetables or porridge, the third is meat, and only then everything else.
The second complementary food is introduced in parallel with the first one month later. We must focus primarily on vegetables and fruits of the seasonal period and our latitude, avoiding the exotic. As a rule, the first vegetables in the diet are zucchini, cauliflower, carrot. Some people find it more convenient to use factory-made puree, although you need to be prepared for the fact that your mother will eat almost the entire jar for a very long time. Someone simply adds vegetables to the diet of the whole family, in which case
It’s good to use a double boiler for cooking vegetables: food cooks quickly and vitamins are retained in larger quantities. Prepared vegetables can be chopped in a blender.
Porridges with which complementary feeding begins should be hypoallergenic: these are rice, buckwheat and corn, which do not contain gluten - a vegetable protein that often causes an allergic reaction. And you should always remember that no single product can provide the body with all the nutrients. For example, potatoes provide vitamin C but no iron, while bread and beans provide iron but not vitamin C. The value of breast milk and even formula throughout the first year remains significantly higher than any other product, so do not rush to exchange a portion of mother's milk per carrot or apple!
As for drinking, the need for it arises only when the baby already receives significant portions of complementary foods. In most cases, this happens after 8-10 months, or even later. In parallel with the introduction of complementary foods, the mother can offer the baby to drink compote or water from a cup, but if the baby refuses, there is no need to insist.
How?
And yet, in practice, the main problem of complementary feeding is not to feed the baby with any specific foods, but to feed him in general. Why do many children refuse complementary foods? This happens if the mother forgets that complementary feeding is just a transitional stage on the baby’s path from breast milk or an adapted formula to adult food. And its meaning is that the child over a year old there was a desire and ability to eat food from the family table!
When giving complementary foods, the mother should always keep in mind that well-fed child- this is a momentary goal, and the main goal is for the baby to have an appetite and interest in food. Therefore, the child does not need to be fed at any cost when he does not want it! If the mother begins to intensively and seriously feed the baby, then he gets the impression that food is a forcibly imposed object, the value of which is low, and he begins to avoid attempts to feed.
How to create interest in food? Usually, children at the age of about 5-6 months begin to show food interest, that is, demand what their parents eat. At the same time, babies are quite suspicious and conservative; they usually prefer not to put something in their mouth that is completely unfamiliar to them. Therefore, in order to awaken a child’s desire to eat something other than mother’s milk, you need to sit him down at the table with you (instead of separate feedings). The child should see how his family members handle food, and that they eat with appetite and enjoy eating. Most often, it happens that the baby simply observes for a while (there is no need to offer him anything without his request), and then - sometimes after a couple of meals, sometimes after a few days - he inevitably begins to ask for something to be given to him too. Taking this into account, the mother simply keeps a clean spoon nearby for the baby and puts on her plate some food that she plans to give as complementary foods (if homemade food, then, of course, set aside at the cooking stage so that it is without spices, milk, etc. .), and when the baby begins to ask - not even the first time, but when he shows strong initiative - he gives a little food intended for the child, one or two teaspoons. If the child asks for more, you shouldn’t give it at first, it may turn out to be an unnecessary burden on digestion. If the child, on the contrary, frowns and spits it out, there is no need to insist, much less scold, this will contribute to the formation negative attitude to food. Just offer another food another time, and after a while you can offer the same thing. There is an interesting pattern that suggests that in order for a child to develop an appetite for some food, he needs to try it 8-10 times, and a clear increase in positive perception of food occurs after 12-15 times. Therefore, those foods that the child initially refuses are often accepted later.
The often widespread belief that infants later begin to show interest in food from the family table, if complementary foods are introduced correctly, turns out to be erroneous. As practice has shown, with competent and careful introduction of complementary foods, breastfed babies quickly begin to show interest and actively eat from the family table! The researchers suggested that this is due to the fact that, unlike “artificial” babies who receive industrially produced food with the same taste, infants are already accustomed to different shades of taste and smell transmitted with mother’s milk.
If the baby is already about a year old, and he eats complementary foods in minimal quantities, this should not become a reason to cancel breastfeeding or refuse adapted formulas. For a very long time, kids don’t associate the process of satiation with their parents’ table! An incentive to try solid food What serves him is interest and the desire to behave “like adults,” and not at all the desire to get enough. And the cancellation of the usual source of satiation very often leads to the fact that the baby never begins to eat solid food in large quantities - if the mother did not help create interest in “adult” food, it will not arise out of nowhere. The right path is to give up the desire to immediately feed the child a large amount of food, and go through all the stages of complementary feeding again, although for an older child each stage will take not a month or two, but a week or two. So, what stages should a baby go through in developing an interest in food from the family table?
Approximate stages of complementary feeding.
First stage: 6-7 months.
At this stage, the main goal is for the baby to taste the taste of other foods and learn to eat from a spoon. At this time, the baby is offered very small amounts of complementary foods, only one or two teaspoons at a time and only one or two times a day. In this case, the baby needs time to learn to remove food from the spoon with his lips and move it inside the mouth, so some of the food may fall out of the mouth - this does not mean that the child does not like the food. The main source of energy is breast milk, and for “artificial babies” - an adapted formula. Breastfeeding continues as required, and the formula is given in the same quantities and at the same intervals as before!
The food that the baby receives at this stage is mashed foods consisting of one ingredient, soft consistency, without added sugar, salt or hot seasonings. This can be either single-component puree or factory-made porridge, or home-cooked food: mashed rice, soft thick porridge, vegetable puree. For a milder taste and better absorption, you can add expressed breast milk or formula to your baby's food.
Second stage: 7-8 months.
When the baby can not only sit without support, but also transfer objects (for example, a spoon) from one hand to another, you can give thicker food and add new shades of taste. Breastfeeding continues on demand, but we must remember that often babies at this time begin to ask for breastfeeding less often. So that the amount of milk necessary for the baby, has not decreased, infant feeding experts advise offering complementary foods only after breastfeeding.
The food of this stage is well-cooked mashed meat (especially liver), legumes, vegetables, fruits and various grain products. Sugar and salt are still not welcome! The mother offers food two or three times a day, the baby still eats little by little, but from a wider range of foods.
Third stage: 8-10 months.
It's time to learn how to cope with small pieces of food. Mom no longer only feeds with a spoon, but also offers the baby food that he can take with his fingers: slices of fruit, unsweetened cookies, pieces of cheese or carrots. Breastfeeding continues as required, but in parallel with food, the mother also offers the baby something to drink from a cup: it can be water, compote or fermented milk products. Breastfeeding may refuse additional fluids, but there is no need to worry about this: breast milk still satisfies the baby's needs, provided feeding is on demand, so it is the mother's job to provide the opportunity to choose. After 9 months, babies who are fed formula or predominantly formula can be given unmodified cow's milk.
Food should be varied and contain fruits and vegetables, legumes and small amounts of fish, kefir, meat, liver, eggs or cheese. Infants are offered food three to four times a day, and children who are not breastfed should eat at least five times a day.
Fourth stage: 10-12 months.
These are the last months of introducing complementary foods, when adults are still giving the child adapted food and monitoring its quantity so that the baby does not eat too much or too little. Breast milk continues to make up important part diet and should preferably be the main fluid during the second year of life and even longer.
Products at this stage should be chopped or mashed, and the meat should be minced in a meat grinder. Fingertip foods such as small cubes of fruit, vegetables, potatoes, cheese and soft meats are included at each meal to encourage baby to feed independently and recognize the consistency of foods. At this time, infants alternate three main meals with two light snacks.
By the age of about one year, children can eat regular food from the family table and do not require specially prepared meals. Adding salt is still not recommended, and limiting salt will benefit the entire family. Children eat slowly, so special care must be taken to ensure that extra time and attention can be given to them. You can’t scold your baby if he can’t cope with something or refuses something; food should be a source of positive emotions!
Common mistakes when introducing complementary foods
- Complementary feeding is not an end in itself. A mother who gives her baby complementary foods must firmly understand that complementary foods are not the main, but rather complementary, nutrition. There is no need to try to give your child a certain amount of complementary foods at any cost! Circumstances must always be taken into account. Complementary foods are introduced later to premature babies and babies with allergies. New types of complementary foods are not introduced during illness and after vaccinations! During illness or teething, the baby’s appetite drops sharply, and this is natural - complementary feeding should be postponed, because the energy needed for recovery is spent on digesting food that is unusual for the body.
- juice is not a first food product. It is not even suitable for the second or third feeding. The baby needs a lot of energy, but physically he is able to consume very little food. Therefore, the foods he receives must have a certain energy density, otherwise there is a risk of malnutrition. In addition, in old Soviet books, juices were recommended as additives that corrected the lack of vitamins in mixtures produced half a century ago. In other words, it was recommended to start complementary feeding with juices because it was assumed that the mother was no longer breastfeeding (a very early return to work was considered the norm), and formulas did not provide the child with the required amount of vitamins. Today, mothers often breastfeed for up to a year or more, and adapted formulas have significantly improved their composition! The early introduction of juices does not make sense precisely because this is a direct displacement of food that is much more beneficial for the child, and at the same time contained in juices fruit acids Without the softening effect of the fiber contained in fruits, they are quite aggressive. On average, in every third child, the introduction of juices before 9 months causes allergic reactions and indigestion. Moreover, thanks to the combination of high acidity and sugars fruit juices with active use, they often become the cause of early childhood caries. So it’s better to wait with juices - after a while they can become your baby’s friends, but let this happen later.
- Complementary feeding up to one year should not replace breast milk or an adapted formula. The World Health Organization, and behind it the latest recommendations of the Russian Ministry of Health and Social Development, specifically and repeatedly emphasize that complementary feeding is not a replacement for nutrition, but rather a supplement. Unfortunately, many pediatricians still rely on outdated nutritional recommendations, which were given in such a way that by the age of one year breastfeeding would be over and the child would be completely switched to “adult” food. Today's recommendations, on the contrary, say that it is very useful to continue breastfeeding even after a year, therefore it is useful to give complementary foods along with breastfeeding, and not instead of breastfeeding. Otherwise, in a year or even earlier, it turns out that the mother’s milk has run out.
The same applies to artificial children. Many mothers are very tempted by the age of 8-9 months to completely give up formula and switch to complementary feeding products. Moreover, it is more economically profitable, especially if you prepare complementary foods yourself. But cheaper does not mean better for the child! The most suitable food for a child under one year of age is, of course, breast milk, followed by an adapted formula. All other products lag far behind even the adapted mixture in terms of bioavailability and nutritional value. Let’s take, for example, the same iron that doctors talk so much about the need for children: in breast milk the level of its availability for the baby is about 50%, and in infant formula it is already about 15-20%. It would seem that there is already a big difference, but iron is absorbed from red meat by about 10%, and from vegetables and grain products specially fortified with iron - by only 4-5%! So for infants who are artificially fed, complementary feeding for up to a year should still remain just a complementary diet, and the main energy they need should be obtained from an age-adapted formula.
Appendix 1: foods that should not be given to children for a long time
- Coffee, black and green tea interfere with iron absorption and should be avoided for up to two years. After this age, it is still recommended not to give children tea during meals, so as not to interfere with the absorption of iron.
- herbal teas: WHO warns that due to small body size and rapid physical development Infants are less protected than adults from the pharmacological effects of some chemicals present in herbal teas. There is not yet enough scientific evidence to support the safety of various herbs and herbal teas for infants, but most herbal teas—particularly the popular chamomile tea—have been shown to do so. negative impact on the absorption of iron, like regular tea, and thereby contribute to the development of anemia.
- Low-fat milk is not recommended until about two years of age: due to its low nutritional value, the baby does not receive enough energy.
- Honey often contains clostridia, which causes botulism. There are very few of them there, and the acid contained in gastrointestinal tract adults, destroys clostridia. But in children under three years of age there is not enough acid for this, so the development of botulism is possible.
- Mushrooms are a food that is difficult to digest even for some adults. Children under three years of age are not recommended to eat mushrooms: difficult-to-digest protein often causes digestive disorders.
Appendix 2: signs of readiness to introduce complementary foods
Today, experts also suggest taking into account the following signs:
- fading of the ejection reflex - if the baby gets something in his mouth, he does not immediately try to push it out with his tongue;
- doubling of birth weight (and for premature babies it is proposed to talk about tripling);
- the baby may consciously turn away from the spoon if he does not like the product offered;
- the child latches on to the breast more often or does not eat enough of the usual portion of the formula;
- Finally, the baby shows interest in food: he is actively interested in what his parents are eating.
We draw the attention of parents to the fact that one or two signs from this list are not enough to introduce complementary foods: most of them should appear, or better yet, all of them. In most cases this occurs around six months of age, although sometimes a little earlier or later.
Project coordinator "New Level"
