Complementary Feeding
Top Cited Papers
- 1 January 2017
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
- Vol. 64 (1), 119-132
- https://doi.org/10.1097/mpg.0000000000001454
Abstract
UNASSIGNED This position paper considers different aspects of complementary feeding (CF), focussing on healthy term infants in Europe. After reviewing current knowledge and practices, we have formulated these recommendations: Timing: Exclusive or full breast-feeding should be promoted for at least 4 months (17 weeks, beginning of the 5th month of life) and exclusive or predominant breast-feeding for approximately 6 months (26 weeks, beginning of the 7th month) is a desirable goal. Complementary foods (solids and liquids other than breast milk or infant formula) should not be introduced before 4 months but should not be delayed beyond 6 months. CONTENT Infants should be offered foods with a variety of flavours and textures including bitter tasting green vegetables. Continued breast-feeding is recommended alongside CF. Whole cows' milk should not be used as the main drink before 12 months of age. Allergenic foods may be introduced when CF is commenced any time after 4 months. Infants at high risk of peanut allergy (those with severe eczema, egg allergy, or both) should have peanut introduced between 4 and 11 months, following evaluation by an appropriately trained specialist. Gluten may be introduced between 4 and 12 months, but consumption of large quantities should be avoided during the first weeks after gluten introduction and later during infancy. All infants should receive iron-rich CF including meat products and/or iron-fortified foods. No sugar or salt should be added to CF and fruit juices or sugar-sweetened beverages should be avoided. Vegan diets should only be used under appropriate medical or dietetic supervision and parents should understand the serious consequences of failing to follow advice regarding supplementation of the diet. METHOD Parents should be encouraged to respond to their infant's hunger and satiety queues and to avoid feeding to comfort or as a reward.Keywords
This publication has 104 references indexed in Scilit:
- Exclusive Breastfeeding and Developmental and Behavioral Status in Early ChildhoodNutrients, 2013
- Early regular egg exposure in infants with eczema: A randomized controlled trialJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2013
- Timing of the Introduction of Complementary Foods in Infancy: A Randomized Controlled TrialPEDIATRICS, 2012
- How Feasible Is Baby-Led Weaning as an Approach to Infant Feeding? A Review of the EvidenceNutrients, 2012
- The development of salty taste acceptance is related to dietary experience in human infants: a prospective studyThe American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2012
- Early diet quality in a longitudinal study of Australian children: associations with nutrition and body mass index later in childhood and adolescenceJournal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, 2011
- Iron status of breastfed infants is improved equally by medicinal iron and iron-fortified cerealThe American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009
- Dietary patterns in infancy and cognitive and neuropsychological function in childhoodJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2009
- Infant feeding in the second 6 months of life related to iron status: an observational studyArchives of Disease in Childhood, 2007
- Rapid infancy weight gain and subsequent obesity: Systematic reviews and hopeful suggestionsActa Paediatrica, 2006