Children below six months must be on breast milk only

All children below six months, unless under unavoidable circumstances, should be on exclusive breast feeding. This means that the baby receives only breast milk with no additional solids or liquids, not even water.

Breast feeding is the single most effective intervention for preventing child illnesses and deaths.

Breast milk contains all the nutrients, water and energy required for the first six months of life, provides up to half or more of a child’s nutritional requirements during the second half of the first year (6 to 12 months), and up to one-third during the second year of life.

Exclusive breast feeding promotes sensory and cognitive/mental development, protects against infectious and chronic diseases, reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses, and helps in quicker recovery during illness. Breast milk contains immune substances that helps prevent allergic reactions to food by providing a layer of protection to a baby’s intestinal tract. Without this protection, inflammation can develop and the wall of the intestine can become permeable, allowing undigested proteins to cross the gut where they can cause an allergic reaction and other health problems. The gastro-intestinal tract (the system responsible for consuming, digesting foodstuffs, absorbing nutrients, and expelling waste) of children below six months is not well developed to handle any other food item apart from breast milk

Solids can easily cause abrasions on the gastro intestinal tract which increases the risk of upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

Children below six months also have not developed the proper gut bacteria that help in proper processing of solid foods safely, potentially leading to gastroenteritis and diarrhea when infants are fed on solids.

A different feeding option, other than exclusive breastfeeding, should only be considered as a last resort. For instance, in cases of medical complications, deaths etc.

Exclusive replacement feeding, giving breast milk substitutes, for example cow milk, goat milk or formula, should be practiced in such situations and care taken to meet the AFASS (acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe)criteria.

Acceptable: Replacement feeding for breast milk is acceptable by the mother, the family and others who are clos

Feasible: The mother has access to clean and safe water for cleaning the feeding bottles, teats, cup and spoon, and diluting the formula milk if it comes in powder form.

Affordable: The family can afford to buy enough formula milk or animal milk to feed the baby adequately.

Sustainable: The mother is able to prepare feeds for the child as frequently as recommended and as the baby demands.

Safe: The formula milk should be safe and nutritious for the health of the baby.

Faith Kariuki is a mother and a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant at Afya Bora Nutrition & Wellness Centre. Suite 16, 5th Avenue Office Suites along 5th Ngong Avenue, Nairobi.