Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF)

Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) is a set of well-known recommendations for appropriate feeding of newborn babies and children under two years of age.

Optimal IYCF Practices

Early initiation of breastfeeding immediately after birth, preferably within one hour.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (180 days). No other foods or fluids including water should be given. However, the infant may receive ORS, drops, syrups of vitamins, minerals and medicines when required.
Timely introduction of complementary foods after six months of age.
Continued breastfeeding for two years or beyond.
Age appropriate complementary feeding for children 6-23 months while continuing breastfeeding. Children should receive food from four or more food groups:
- Grains, roots, tubers, legumes and nuts
- Dairy products
- Flesh foods (meat, fish, poultry)
- Eggs
- Vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables
- Other fruits and vegetables
Minimum feeding frequency:
- 2 times daily for breastfed infants (6-8 months)
- 3 times daily for breastfed children (9-23 months)
- 4 times daily for non-breastfed children (6-23 months)
Active feeding during and after illness.

What is Complementary Feeding?

Complementary feeding means introducing solid or semi-solid foods along with breast milk after the baby reaches six months of age.

After six months, breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of infants. However breastfeeding must continue along with appropriate complementary feeding.

Timely – introduced when the need for energy and nutrients increases.
Adequate – provides sufficient energy, protein and micronutrients.
Safe – hygienically prepared, stored and fed using clean utensils.

The term “complementary feeding” should be used instead of “weaning”.

Consistency of Complementary Foods

Thick semi-solid foods made from locally available foods should be introduced at six months while continuing breastfeeding.
Food must be energy dense by adding sugar, jaggery, ghee, butter or oil.
Food should be thick enough to stay on the spoon without running when tilted.
Consistency should match the child's developmental readiness for chewing and swallowing.
Lumpy foods should be introduced by 9–10 months to prevent feeding fussiness.
Overuse of mixers or grinders to make food overly pasty should be discouraged.

Nutritionally Adequate Complementary Feeding

Foods can be enriched using fermented porridge or sprouted flour.
Three main meals plus 1–2 nutritious snacks should be given.
Staple homemade foods based on cereal–pulse combinations are recommended.
Bottle feeding should be discouraged.
Population specific dietary guidelines should be followed based on locally available foods.
Iron fortified foods, iodised salt and Vitamin A rich foods should be encouraged.
Balanced food should include cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, milk, animal foods and oils.

What is Junk Food?

Processed foods such as chips, chocolates, bakery items and health drinks should be avoided.
Cold drinks, tea, coffee and sugary drinks should not be given.

Safe Complementary Feeding

Food must be prepared and stored hygienically.
Freshly cooked food should be consumed within 1–2 hours in hot climate.
Handwashing with soap before food preparation and feeding is essential.
Child’s hands should also be washed before feeding.

Responsive Feeding

Encourage children to eat by praising them.
Allow self-feeding even if food spills.
Each child should be fed in a separate plate.
Avoid forced feeding, threats or punishment.
Provide play and communication for psycho-social stimulation.

Additional Pointers to Improve Feeding Quality

Cereal–pulse combinations improve iron intake.
Sprouting and germination reduce phytate content.
Vitamin C rich fruits improve iron absorption.
Iron supplements should preferably be given after meals.
Rice based complementary foods are more suitable for iron absorption.

HEALTH INFORMATION

What is Infant and Young Child Feeding?