Complementary Feeding- Latest insights

How important is it for babies to learn how to chew

1. A baby who is exposed to texturised foods from 9 months will accept a variety of foods more easily
2. Chewing the food exposes more of  it to the various digestive enzymes, leading to better absorption
3. Creates space in the jaw for the permanent teeth

Evolution of Breastmilk: Energy and Protein

Throughout the lactation period, breastmilk evolves to meet the needs of the growing infants

1. During the first four months the energy needs of the infant increases, this leads to a corresponding increase in the volume consumed. After 4 months the volume remains constant
2. After the initial spike, the daily caloric needs decreases throughout the 1^st year. The average for both boys and girls at 1 month is 110kcal/kg/day at 1 months, and is 80kcal/kg/day at 12 months
3. Growth rate and protein intake decreases to half the initial levels from 6 months of life.  It is not only intake but also the protein levels in breastmilk that also declines. The ratio of whey: casein moves from 100:0 and reached 50:50 in late lactation