8.2.1. Dietary requirements of infants

Infants are able to regulate their needs by consuming more milk or less milk. Their nutritional requirements are met through the composition of breast milk and contributions from complementary foods given to them. The recommended nutrients are computed on the basis of composition of mother’s milk.

Infants have specific nutritional needs that they can manage by adjusting their milk intake. Breast milk is specially designed to provide all the essential nutrients during the early months of life. It is crucial for parents to understand that the nutritional content of breast milk meets the basic requirements of an infant for at least the first six months. When infants begin to consume other foods (complementary foods), it’s important that these foods complement their diet without replacing the breast milk prematurely.

Think of breast milk as a tailored suit. Just like a suit is made to fit perfectly for a specific person, breast milk is customized to meet an infant’s unique nutritional needs during infancy. As babies grow, they may start to need extra 'pieces' (complementary foods) to ensure they continue to grow and develop properly.

An average secretion of 850 ml of breast milk of a well-nourished mother should provide all the nutrients for the first 4–6 months. The baby thrives well if the mother is well nourished. She must, therefore, eat a diet rich in protein, calcium and iron and consume adequate quantities of fluids like milk, soups, fruit juices, and even water to avoid malnutrition.

For infants, approximately 850 ml of breast milk per day starts to fulfill their nutritional requirements, assuming the mother’s diet is rich in key nutrients. This includes protein, calcium, and iron. These nutrients are essential for the infant’s growth, bone health, and overall development. It's important for nursing mothers to hydrate and ensure adequate nutrition, as this directly impacts the quality of breast milk that shapes the baby’s growth during these critical early months.

Consider the breastfeeding process similar to a bank account. The mother's nutritional intake acts as deposits that enhance the bank account (breast milk). If a mother eats well (makes enough deposits), her breast milk will be more nutritious and sufficient to support the baby’s growth and development. If she fails to nourish herself, it’s like taking withdrawals without proper deposits, which can lead to deficits in the baby's nutrition.

Mother’s milk is nature’s gift to the newborn baby. It is enriched with all the required nutrients which are easily absorbed. WHO recommends exclusive breast feeding for six months. During breast feeding even water is not required.

Breastfeeding provides complete nutrition because it contains all the necessary nutrients and antibodies that help protect infants from illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months because it is believed to offer all the hydration and nutrition an infant needs without the need for additional water or supplements. This ensures an optimal start in life by nurturing and protecting the baby during its most vulnerable developmental stages.

Imagine a shield that protects a warrior during battle; breast milk acts as that shield for an infant. Just like a shield blocks arrows and blows, breast milk bolsters an infant’s immune system against infections throughout those initial months when the immune system is still developing.

• It is nutritionally tailor-made for meeting the infant’s nutritional needs.
• It protects babies from gastro-intestinal, chest, and urinary infections due to the presence of antibodies in it giving it natural immunity.

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits, particularly because the composition of breast milk is designed to meet an infant's specific nutritional needs. Moreover, the antibodies present in breast milk help build the baby’s immune system, shielding the infant from common infections such as gastro-enteritis or respiratory issues. This natural immunity is crucial for the overall health and development of the infant.

Consider breast milk as a customized medicine. Just like medicine can be formulated to combat specific ailments, breast milk is specifically tailored to prevent infections and boost immunity, making the baby less susceptible to sicknesses compared to those not breastfed.

Complementary feeding is the process of gradually introducing other foods along with breast milk. Foods that are introduced are thus called complementary foods. These can be introduced by 6 months of age.

Complementary feeding plays an essential role after six months when breast milk alone may no longer suffice to provide all the nutrients needed for the infant’s growth and development. It involves introducing foods alongside continued breastfeeding, ensuring a nutritious and diverse diet that supports healthy growth. It is vital to introduce these foods gradually, ensuring that the infant adjusts to new flavors and textures.

Think of introducing complementary foods like introducing new subjects in a school. Just as students gradually adapt to new subjects one at a time, infants should be introduced to different complementary foods individually, allowing them to familiarize themselves with each new flavor before introducing another.

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