Question

Mention five factors to be considered while introducing complementary foods.

Answer 1

1. Only one food should be introduced at a time.
2. Consistency of foods should be as per the child's age i.e., for very young infants, liquid supplements should be given and gradually changed to semi-solid and then to solid with advancing age of the child.
3. Food should be given in small quantities in the beginning and the amount should be gradually increased as the child develops a liking for the food.
4. A child should never be fed forcefully. If the child dislikes a particular food, remove it from their diet and reintroduce it at a later age. If the disliking persists, then one should think of a substitute.
5. It is not always necessary to cook separately for the child, as the family meals can be easily modified in consistency, spicing, etc., to feed the child.