What are the principles in preparing complementary food supplements

Weaning foods based on cereal-pulse-nut and sugar/ jaggery combinations will provide good quality protein, adequate calories and other protective nutrients. Since infants cannot consume bulky complementary food, in sufficient quantities, energy-rich foods like fats and sugars should be included in such preparations. Infants can also be fed green leafy vegetables (GLVs), which are rich, yet inexpensive, sources of vitamins and minerals. However, greens should be well cleaned before cooking lest the infants develop loose motions. Dietary fibre in green leafy vegetables can, by itself, promote the bowel movements leading to loose motions in infants. Since GLVs are rich in dietary fibre, it is advisable to initially feed only the juice of the GLVs after cooking them properly. Infants should be introduced to different vegetables and fruits gradually. It should, however, be remembered that these dietary articles should be thoroughly cooked and mashed before feeding. In families which can afford egg yolk and meat soup can be introduced. At about one year of age, the child should share the family diet.

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