Core Objectives
Support growth and development (especially of the brain and immune system) and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Key Points by Stages
1）7 - 12 Months
1）Breastfeeding or Formula - Feeding
Daily milk intake is 600 - 700 ml. Breastfeed 3 - 4 times and offer complementary foods 2 - 3 times.
2）Complementary Food Addition
Types: Cereals (such as infant rice flour, oatmeal paste), pureed vegetables, pureed fruits, egg yolks, pureed red meat (such as beef puree, pork puree), tofu, etc.
Frequency: Offer complementary foods 2 - 3 times a day. There should be no less than 4 types of complementary foods, including at least 1 iron - rich animal - based food, 1 type of vegetable and 1 type of cereal or tuber.
Texture: Start with mashed or pureed foods and gradually transition to minced foods to adapt to the baby's chewing and swallowing ability.
3）Vitamin D Supplementation
Breastfed infants should continue to receive 400 IU of vitamin D per day.
2）13 - 24 Months
1）Continue Breastfeeding or Formula - Feeding
The frequency of breastfeeding or formula - feeding gradually decreases. Dairy products such as fresh milk, yogurt and cheese can be introduced as part of complementary foods, and the milk intake should be maintained at about 500 ml.
2）Diversification of Complementary Foods
Types: Cereals (such as soft rice, noodles), vegetables (such as carrots, spinach), fruits (such as apples, bananas), protein - rich foods (such as chicken, fish, tofu), eggs, etc.
Texture: Foods can be made into small pieces or finger foods to encourage toddlers to feed themselves.
Frequency: Have 3 main meals a day with 2 snacks in between. Complementary foods should be prepared separately.
3）Iron Supplementation
Consume 25 - 50 g of eggs and 50 - 75 g of meat, poultry and fish daily to meet the iron requirement.
Risk Prevention and Control
1）Iron - Deficiency Anemia
Since the iron content in breast milk is low, it is recommended to add iron - fortified rice flour or pureed red meat to complementary foods.
2）Vitamin D Deficiency
Breastfed infants should continue to receive 400 IU of vitamin D per day.
3）Protein Deficiency
Ensure an adequate intake of breast milk or formula, and gradually add protein - rich foods to complementary foods.
4）Feeding Precautions
Avoid introducing complementary foods too early, as the digestive system of infants before 4 months old is not yet mature.
Add only one new food ingredient each time for complementary foods and observe for 3 - 5 days, paying attention to allergic reactions.
Taboos
1）Honey: It is prohibited for infants under 1 year old (may contain botulinum).
2）Salt and Sugar: Do not add salt and sugar to complementary foods.
3）Allergenic Foods: Such as peanuts, nuts, egg whites, etc., are recommended to be introduced after 1 year old.
4）Uncooked Vegetables: Avoid nitrite poisoning (such as uncooked spinach, celery).
5）Fruit Juice: It should be limited to ≤ 120 ml per day after 6 months old.
Dietary Recommendations for Mothers (Breastfeeding)
Balanced Diet: Rich in protein (lean meat, fish, beans), calcium (milk, tofu), iron (red meat, green leafy vegetables).
Water Intake: Drink 2000 - 2500 ml of water daily to avoid dehydration.
Avoid Stimulating Foods: Such as spicy foods, coffee (caffeine < 200 mg per day), alcohol.
Summary
7 - 24 months is a critical period for the growth and development of infants and young children. Breast milk or formula is still the main source of nutrition. Complementary foods should be gradually introduced, and attention should be paid to the supplementation of key nutrients such as iron and vitamin D. At the same time, avoid allergic and inappropriate foods.
