Your breastmilk is magic

Breast milk is the best possible food you can feed your baby! It’s magic because it gives your baby all the vitamins he needs to grow strong and big. Your breast milk protects your baby from getting sick.

You should ONLY breastfeed during the first 6 months of your baby’s life. Start as soon as possible after your baby is born – don’t wait for more than half an hour. The first time you breastfeed your baby you are protecting him from sickness.

After the first time you breastfeed, let your baby feed at least 10 times every 24 hours. Your baby is growing fast and he needs as much milk as possible! If you have trouble breastfeeding, ask for help at your local clinic or in your community.

Feeding healthy brains

Food is fuel for your child’s body and brain. Up until age seven, your child is growing very fast. He needs the best possible food to grow healthy and do well at school. Pap, bread and porridge are not enough for growing children. Try and give your child these foods every day:

• Fruit and vegetables are very important.  Children love to eat sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut, amadumbe and spinach – and you can grow them at home! Also give your child wild green leaves like imifio and morogo.
• Put a spoon of peanut butter in their porridge for energy to learn and play.
• Milk, eggs, beans, lentils and peas help children grow strong bones and teeth.
• Don’t give your child too many sweets or fizzy cold drinks.
• Too many salty foods like powdered soup and Aromat is also not healthy for children.
• Your child needs plenty of clean water to drink every day
• Remember, babies under 6 months should only have breast milk or formula.