FEEDING CHILDREN AT 6 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS OLD.

Complementary feeding: Gradual introduction of soft foods with continued breastfeeding till 2 years or beyond.
At 6 months as the breast milk is no longer sufficient to attain proper growth and development.
Failure to provide well balanced nutritious meals adequate, safe and appropriately fed to the child
may result in weight loss.
 Provide balanced meals and choose a variety of foods.
The child’s diet should comprise;
 Body building foods (proteins) as the largest portion on the plate or cup to meet growth
requirements. These include; milk, eggs, meat, fish, mukene, beans, peas, groundnuts
 Energy foods like; irish potatoes, matooke, rice, maize, millet
 Iron rich foods like beans, liver, eggs, bugga and millet. Pairing vitamin c rich foods
(orange, tomato, guava, pineapple and papaya) with iron rich foods enhances
absorption of iron.
 Vegetables and fruits help to provide vitamins and minerals to boost immunity against infections and healthy eyes
 Provide thick foods as the small quantity the child eats should be rich in nutrients.
Note: children have the ability stop eating when satisfied and are not expected to eat same
quantities of food as adults. There is a tendency of mothers/ care-takers to over feed children at
this stage which is associated with higher rates of childhood obesity.
Baby food options;
 Liquid foods like porridges (rice millet, soy and maize), fish, bean soups, milk tea, and
fruit juices except lemons as they are bitter tasting.
 Mashed foods; egg yolk, irish, pumpkin, fish, matooke, beans
 Black tea, soft drinks, cakes and biscuits are not ideal infant feeds. These satisfy the child
without providing the appropriate nutrients as they are high in energy with minimal or no
protein which is much required for the growing infant. Give small frequent meals.

Average Amount of food a child can eat per meal
6-8 months 4-5 2-3 tablespoons per feed gradually increasing to ½ a 250ml cup
9-11 months 5-6 ½ a 250ml cup
12-23 months 5-6 ¾ to a full 250ml cup

Frequent breastfeeding between meal times or expressed breast milk

Regina Nantege Dietitian Email: regisdietitian@gmail.com for infant feeding consultations