Which practice is recommended to support infant feeding in the 0-12 month period?

• A. Encourage bottle feeding exclusively
• B. Strongly encourage breastfeeding
• C. Delay introduction of solid foods
• D. Restrict fluids

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that supporting breastfeeding is the best approach for the first year of life. Breast milk provides ideal nutrition and immune protection tailored to an infant’s needs, supports healthy growth, and fosters bonding between parent and baby. It also lowers the risk of infections and certain illnesses, and is convenient and cost-effective. Guidelines typically recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months, with continued breastfeeding as solid foods are introduced, continuing to breastfeed for 12 months or longer as complementary foods are added. For these reasons, strongly encouraging breastfeeding during the 0-12 month period is the most appropriate practice.

Other approaches don’t align with these benefits: exclusively bottle feeding misses the immune and developmental advantages of breast milk; delaying solid foods beyond the recommended window can lead to nutritional gaps; and restricting fluids isn’t necessary because breast milk or formula provides adequate hydration and extra fluids could displace calories.