Child Feeding Guidelines: The Key to Preventing Stunting through Proper Scheduling and Nutrition
Understanding how to provide appropriate nutrition is a fundamental responsibility for parents to meet their child’s optimal nutritional needs. This was emphasised by paediatrician Dr Ian Suryadi Suteja, M.Med Sc, Sp.A, a graduate of Gadjah Mada University, during a health discussion in Jakarta last weekend.
According to Dr Suteja, child feeding rules encompass more than just what is consumed; they include three main pillars: timing, procedure, and environment. Parents must understand the correct timing of meals, the appropriate feeding method, and the proper nutritional composition.
In line with guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Suteja recommends implementing responsive feeding methods, meaning parents should be attuned to their child’s biological responses and needs, particularly in recognising hunger and satiety signals. He advises that when a child shows signs of hunger, they should be fed accordingly.
However, he notes the importance of transitioning eating patterns as children age. For infants aged 0 to 3 months, unrestricted breastfeeding is appropriate, whilst from 4 to 6 months onwards, feeding should follow a set schedule.
Regarding portion sizes, parents are advised not to force large volumes. For a nine-month-old baby, for example, stomach capacity typically allows for only approximately 30 millilitres of food per meal.
On nutritional composition, Dr Suteja highlights the crucial role of animal-based proteins such as meat, dairy, and eggs, alongside carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruits. Animal-based proteins are particularly effective in preventing stunting in children because they contain complete amino acids, superior nutritional value, better iron content, and significantly more essential nutrients compared to plant-based proteins.
Children’s eating interests are greatly influenced by sensory experiences, including taste and aroma variety. During the critical phase of introducing complementary foods, children should be exposed to various flavours to develop openness to dietary diversity later in life.
Milk serves as part of a complete meal or as a light snack, particularly at breakfast. To maintain regular metabolism and eating patterns, a consistent meal schedule should be established.
Beyond nutritional aspects, the atmosphere during meals is important. Parents should create a pleasant environment so children can enjoy the eating process without feeling forced. Milk serves an important function as part of a balanced diet.
Finally, Dr Suteja advises parents to remain vigilant about changes in eating patterns and regularly compare their child’s growth with standard growth curves for children of the same age. Early detection is vital for preventing chronic nutritional problems in the future.