Zambia Demographic and Health Survey 2001-2002 - Measure DHS

Few children under two years of age are not breastfed. For non-breastfeeding children, about twoyears of age, the rates of consumption of food are about the same as for breastfeeding children; however,these children do not have the added nutritional benefit of breast milk, and very few receive other milk.11.2.2 Frequency of Foods Consumed by ChildrenTable 11.5 presents the frequency of consumption of specific foods by children less than threeyears of age in the day or night preceding the interview. Infants and young children eat small meals, andtherefore, frequent meals are necessary to provide them with the required nutrients. It is recommendedthat children age 6-8 months eat a minimum of 2-3 meals and snacks per day in addition to breast milk.For children over 8 months of age, 3-5 meals should be consumed by breastfed children (WHO, 1998).The number of meals required is based on the energy density of the foods being fed. Consuming anappropriate variety of foods is essential for the child’s nutrition.Table 11.5 Frequency of foods consumed by children in the day or night preceding the interviewMean number of times specific foods were consumed in the day or night preceding the interview by youngest child underthree years of age living with the mother, according to breastfeeding status and age, Zambia 2001-2002–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Solid/semisolid foods–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FoodFood Fruits andFood made Food Meat/ made vegetablesmade Fruits/ from made fish/ with rich in NumberChild’s age Infant Other Fruit Other from vege- roots/ from poultry/ oil/fat/ vitamin ofin months formula milk juice liquids 1 grains tables 2 tubers legumes eggs butter A 3 children–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––BREASTFEEDING CHILDREN–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––