PRINCIPLES OF BREASTFEEDING AND GUIDELINES FOR INTRODUCING COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING IN INFANTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55640/Keywords:
Breastfeeding; infant nutrition; complementary feeding; exclusive breastfeeding; child health; pediatric nutritionAbstract
Breastfeeding is the optimal method of infant nutrition and plays a crucial role in ensuring healthy growth, development, and immune protection during early life. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by the gradual introduction of complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding. This article reviews the fundamental principles of breastfeeding and the evidence-based guidelines for introducing complementary feeding. Proper timing, food selection, and feeding practices are essential to meet infants’ nutritional needs and prevent malnutrition, infections, and developmental disorders. Adherence to recommended feeding strategies contributes significantly to improved child health outcomes.
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References
1.World Health Organization. Exclusive breastfeeding for optimal growth, development and health of infants. WHO; 2023.
2.UNICEF. Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices. UNICEF; 2022.
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