Infant feeding techniques encompass a range of practices aimed at ensuring optimal nutrition, growth, and development for infants, including breastfeeding, formula feeding, and complementary feeding. These techniques require consideration of infant cues, nutritional needs, and developmental readiness to promote healthy eating habits and prevent feeding difficulties.
Breastfeeding duration refers to the length of time a mother breastfeeds her child, which can significantly impact the child's nutritional status, immune system development, and bonding experience. Recommendations for breastfeeding duration vary, but the World Health Organization advises exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to two years or beyond.
Early-life nutrition is critical for optimal growth, cognitive development, and long-term health outcomes, influencing susceptibility to chronic diseases later in life. Proper nutrition during pregnancy and the first few years of life sets the foundation for a child's physical and mental well-being.
Solid food introduction is a critical developmental milestone where infants transition from a milk-only diet to a more varied one, typically starting around six months of age. It is essential for meeting nutritional needs, promoting oral motor skills, and reducing the risk of food allergies through exposure to diverse foods.
Maternal and child nutrition is crucial for the health and development of both mother and child, impacting pregnancy outcomes, childhood growth, and long-term health. It encompasses adequate intake of essential nutrients, addressing malnutrition, and promoting breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices.