Complementary Feeding

Appropriate complementary feeding is important for child growth, development, health, and survival. The study links appropriate complementary feeding with reduced stunting and fewer under-five deaths. Children aged 6–59 months had lower odds of overweight or obesity than children under 6 months. Complementary feeding means introducing appropriate foods alongside breastfeeding for children aged 6-23 months. Children aged 6–11 months and 12–23 months had elevated thinness risk compared with 48–59 month olds. Starting complementary feeding before six months is characterized as a nutritional risk pattern. Typical West African complementary foods often fail to meet infants' full nutrient needs. More than 30% of Ghanaian mothers wean before age 2, which may occur before adaptation to complementary foods is complete. Appropriate complementary feeding should meet standards for portions, frequency, nutrient adequacy, and safe preparation.