Feeding of nonbreastfed children from 6 to 24 months of age in developing countries

This United Nations University (UNU) technical background paper, published in the Food and Nutrition Bulletin, covers appropriate feeding of nonbreastfed children from 6 to 24 months of age, with a focus on developing country populations. It uses a spreadsheet technique (linear programming) to analyse diets which meet nutritional requirements for nonbreastfed children at minimum cost. It also discusses the issues of whether to use animal milk, how often to feed the infant, and the energy density of meals, and reviews studies of developing country experience with feeding nonbreastfed children.

The paper supports feeding animal milk to infants after six months of age, provided that iron supplements are consumed and the amount of fluid in the overall diet is adequate. It also recommends that grain products, legumes, fruits and vegetables are included in the diet. Iron supplements or fortified products are needed in nearly all situations, the amounts depending on the age range and other foods in the diet. If fortified products are available, there is no need for commercial infant formula, and non-milk animal-source foods are optional. If they are not available, then commercial formula may be an option, and non-milk animal-source foods are needed. The paper also emphasises the need to ensure that nonbreastfed infants are given enough water.

* Please note: this article is the second one in the document.