Complementary Feeding: Beyond Nutrition. 2018

Fred N Were, and Carlos Lifschitz
Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.

In this article, we will summarize the key non-nutritional aspects of the introduction of complementary feeding. Intestinal maturation related to starch digestion is relatively complete by the time complementary feeding is recommended to be initiated. A much more complex maturation is needed, however, from the neurodevelopmental standpoint as the infants need to be able to hold their head and trunk and be able to coordinate tongue movement followed by swallowing. Issues can arise in infants with a history of medical problems as well as when caretakers cannot handle the initial difficulties or want to impose certain rigidity to the learning process. The introduction of complementary feedings is also part of the early steps in introduction to human socialization. In that regard, it sets up the infant to internalize and accept the diversity of food textures and food choices. Early refusal of some food items is common and should not be interpreted as being disliked. Multiple attempts should be made to incorporate new food items. To accomplish these dynamics, caregivers need comprehensive education and relevant information.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007223 Infant A child between 1 and 23 months of age. Infants
D007227 Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena Nutritional physiology of children from birth to 2 years of age. Infant Nutrition Physiology,Nutrition Physiology, Infant,Complementary Feeding,Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomenon,Infant Nutritional Physiology,Supplementary Feeding,Complementary Feedings,Feeding, Complementary,Feeding, Supplementary,Feedings, Complementary,Feedings, Supplementary,Nutritional Physiology, Infant,Physiology, Infant Nutrition,Physiology, Infant Nutritional,Supplementary Feedings
D007422 Intestines The section of the alimentary canal from the STOMACH to the ANAL CANAL. It includes the LARGE INTESTINE and SMALL INTESTINE. Intestine
D008297 Male Males
D002657 Child Development The continuous sequential physiological and psychological maturing of an individual from birth up to but not including ADOLESCENCE. Infant Development,Development, Child,Development, Infant
D005247 Feeding Behavior Behavioral responses or sequences associated with eating including modes of feeding, rhythmic patterns of eating, and time intervals. Dietary Habits,Eating Behavior,Faith-based Dietary Restrictions,Feeding Patterns,Feeding-Related Behavior,Food Habits,Diet Habits,Eating Habits,Behavior, Eating,Behavior, Feeding,Behavior, Feeding-Related,Behaviors, Eating,Behaviors, Feeding,Behaviors, Feeding-Related,Diet Habit,Dietary Habit,Dietary Restriction, Faith-based,Dietary Restrictions, Faith-based,Eating Behaviors,Eating Habit,Faith based Dietary Restrictions,Faith-based Dietary Restriction,Feeding Behaviors,Feeding Pattern,Feeding Related Behavior,Feeding-Related Behaviors,Food Habit,Habit, Diet,Habit, Dietary,Habit, Eating,Habit, Food,Habits, Diet,Pattern, Feeding,Patterns, Feeding,Restrictions, Faith-based Dietary
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012951 Socialization The training or molding of an individual through various relationships, educational agencies, and social controls, which enables him to become a member of a particular society. Socializations
D017028 Caregivers Persons who provide care to those who need supervision or assistance in illness or disability. They may provide the care in the home, in a hospital, or in an institution. Although caregivers include trained medical, nursing, and other health personnel, the concept also refers to parents, spouses, or other family members, friends, members of the clergy, teachers, social workers, fellow patients. Family Caregivers,Informal Caregivers,Spouse Caregivers,Care Givers,Carers,Care Giver,Caregiver,Caregiver, Family,Caregiver, Informal,Caregiver, Spouse,Caregivers, Family,Caregivers, Informal,Caregivers, Spouse,Carer,Family Caregiver,Informal Caregiver,Spouse Caregiver

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