WHO Guideline for complem...

Introducing complementary feeding involves providing additional foods when breast milk or formula alone can no longer fully meet the nutritional needs. Typically, this practice begins at the age of 6 months and continues until the child reaches 23 months, although breastfeeding might persist beyond this phase. This developmental stage is crucial for children to embrace nutritious foods and establish lasting dietary habits. It aligns with a heightened vulnerability to growth stunting and nutrient insufficiencies. The immediate ramifications of malnutrition during these early years include stunted growth, heightened illness and mortality rates, and delayed cognitive and socio-emotional development. Furthermore, it can elevate the likelihood of noncommunicable diseases later in life. In the long run, early childhood undernutrition can lead to diminished work capabilities and earnings, particularly among females, and may contribute to health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The initial two years of life also represent a critical period for brain development, language acquisition, and the establishment of sensory pathways for vision and hearing, alongside the development of higher cognitive functions.