Complementary Feeding in Infants in Argentina

Abstract

Introduction: complementary feeding refers to the period during which solid and liquid foods are introduced to complement breast milk or infant formula. The first 1,000 days of life represent a critical window that influences a child’s potential for physical and cognitive growth and development. An adequate diet during early life, supported by breastfeeding and appropriate and timely complementary feeding, requires the commitment of both the family and society. The aim of this document is to review the available evidence and establish recommendations based on that evidence and the authors’ expertise.

Materials and method: a literature review and update were conducted and subsequently analyzed and discussed among the authors, achieving consensus-based information aligned with the proposed objective. The bibliographic search included the electronic databases Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline. The keywords used were: “complementary feeding,” “babies,” “child,” and “girl/boy” in both Spanish and English, between September 2021 and October 2023. Articles with different methodologies were considered, including original studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and expert recommendations. Only publications on humans, aged 0 to 1 year, were included. Individual case reports were excluded.

Results: the recommendation to initiate complementary feeding must be based on a nutritional, maturational, and general developmental assessment to ensure the child is ready. Infants’ nutritional needs should address the gap between the nutrients provided by breast milk and their total requirements for energy, protein, iron, zinc, and fat-soluble vitamins A and D. The method used will depend on each family, and food choices are closely linked to regional customs and habits.

Conclusion: complementary feeding should begin at 6 months of age, as critical nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamins A and D are not adequately supplied by breast milk alone at this stage, and are essential for physical and cognitive development. This process is positively influenced by adequate breastfeeding and timely complementary feeding, which require both family and societal engagement. Additionally, this stage is when eating habits begin to form—a complex, multifactorial process (biological, psychological, cultural, and social) that will affect future food preferences and eating behaviors. Health professionals should rely on updated scientific evidence when recommending the introduction of new foods, considering the child’s neurophysiological maturation and development. Various valid methods of food introduction exist, provided that nutritional and energy requirements are met.