What is responsive feeding?
WHO describes responsive feeding as part of nurturing care and adequate childhood nutrition. During complementary feeding, WHO says food should be offered consistently with a child’s signals of appetite and satiety.
What cues are part of responsive feeding?
WHO’s responsive-feeding material includes recognition of hunger and satiety among the central elements of responsive feeding. The approach asks caregivers to notice the child’s cues and respond to them rather than relying only on an adult-directed feeding routine.
Does responsive feeding mean forcing a child to eat?
No. WHO material on responsive feeding includes not pressuring a child to eat. WHO complementary-feeding information instead describes active caregiver involvement, encouragement and attention to the child’s hunger and fullness signals.
How does responsive feeding connect with complementary feeding?
WHO says complementary feeding begins around 6 months, when breast milk alone no longer meets all energy and nutrient needs. WHO describes appropriate complementary feeding as timely, adequate, safe and properly fed, with responsive feeding forming part of how food is offered.
Why is the feeding interaction itself important?
The joint WHO–UNICEF thematic brief places responsive feeding within responsive caregiving. It describes feeding as an interaction in which the caregiver observes and responds to the child, rather than only delivering food.
Related ChildSpecialist.in information
For the broader WHO framework on breastfeeding and complementary feeding, see feeding in the first two years: a practical roadmap.
References
- World Health Organization and UNICEF. Nurturing young children through responsive feeding: Thematic Brief, 17 May 2023.
- World Health Organization. Complementary feeding.