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Breastmilk is the best food a young child can have. Animal's milk, infant formula, powdered milk, teas, sugar drinks, water and cereal foods are inferior to breastmilk.
Breastmilk is easy for the baby to digest. It also promotes the best growth and development and protects against illness.
Even in hot, dry climates, breastmilk meets a young baby's need for fluids. Water or other drinks are not needed during the first six months. Giving a baby any food or drink other than breastmilk increases the risk of diarrhoea and other illnesses.
Breastmilk substitutes that are nutritionally adequate are expensive. For example, to feed one baby for a year requires 40 kilograms (about 80 tins) of infant formula. Health workers should inform all mothers who are considering the use of breastmilk substitutes about their cost.
If regular weighing shows that a breastfed baby under six months is not growing well:
- the child may need more frequent breastfeeding. At least 12 feeds during a 24-hour period may be necessary. The baby should suckle for at least 15 minutes.
- the child may need help to take more of the breast into the mouth
- the child may be ill and should be taken to a trained health worker
- water or other fluids may be reducing the intake of breastmilk. The mother should not give other fluids and should breastfeed only.
Any infant older than six months of age needs other foods and drinks. Breastfeeding should also continue until the child is two years or older.
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