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Encourage sustained breastfeeding beyond six months to two years or more, alongside the introduction of appropriate, adequate and safe complementary foods

Summary of the Guiding Principles for Complementary Feeding from Six Months:

  • maintain breastfeeding
  • practise responsive feeding
  • Prepare and store complementary foods safely
  • increase the amount of complementary foods gradually while supporting breastfeeding
  • ensure the consistency of the food is appropriate for the age of the infant / young child
  • adapt meal frequency and energy density as the infant / young child ages
  • ensure the nutrient content of complementary foods meets the needs of the young / infant child adapt feeding during and after illness

The Health Service must be able to demonstrate that they encourage sustained breastfeeding beyond six months, alongside the introduction of appropriate, safe and adequate complementary foods.