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Table 1 Complementary feeding practices key messages in the intervention clusters

From: Effect of complementary feeding behavior change communication delivered through community-level actors on the time of initiation of complementary foods in rural communities of West Gojjam zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a cluster-randomized controlled trial

No.

Key messages

1

Start feeding your baby soft and thick porridge made from a combination of cereal flours at 6 months. Continue to breastfeed your child up to 2 years and beyond.

2

Enrich baby’s porridge by adding one or more ingredients from animal-source foods (milk, egg, dried meat powder), finely chopped vegetables (kale, carrot, cabbage, tomato, potato) and mashed fruits (avocado, papaya, mango, banana, pumpkin) in each meal.

3

Cook and feed animal-source foods (e.g. eggs, beef, pork, chicken, liver, fish) at least 3 times per week. Feed your child a fruit (e.g. ripe banana, mango, orange, papaya, avocado) after a meal at least once per day.

4

Increase variety, amount and frequency of feeding with age for the baby. Amount of food per meal: Begin with 2 to 3 tablespoons at 6 months of age. 2 to 3 tablespoonfuls; and increase gradually to half (½) 250 ml cup at 6–9 months. Half (½) of 250 ml cup at 9–12 months. Three-quarters (¾) to 1 of 250 ml cup at 12–24 months. Frequency of feeding per day: 2–3 times at 6–8 months, 3–4 times at 9–23 months. Feed 1–2 snacks (e.g. sliced bread, fruits) between two major meals.

5

Encourage your child to eat with patience and love. Interact and minimize distractions during feeding. Don’t force your baby to eat. Provide extra food during and after an illness.

6

Feed your baby using a clean cup and spoon; avoid bottle feeding. Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food, before eating, and before feeding young children.

7

Enriched baby’s porridge preparation:

•Prepare a germinated flour made up of 3/4th staples (one or more ingredients from maize, wheat, rice, millet, sorghum, oat) and 1/4th legumes (one or more ingredients from beans, lentils, chickpeas, groundnuts).

•Use milk instead of water for preparing porridge.

•Add butter/oil which will make the thick porridge easier to eat.

•Add finely chopped meat, fish or eggs.

•Add one or more ingredients from finely chopped vegetables and mashed fruits.

•Increase the consistency and thickness of the porridge with child age.

•Do not forget to use iodized salt.