10 Steps to Food Safety for Babies and Young Children in Emergency Situations

10 Steps to SAFE FEEDING OF INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN IN EMERGENCIES

1. Clear and precise guidelines for the regulation of infant feeding in disaster situations communicated to all health workers, those responsible for collection centers and shelters, must be visible in all these centers and promoted through the media. of communication available. These clearly indicate the increased risks involved in feeding infants and young children with bottles and breastmilk substitutes, as well as the protective effect of breastfeeding.

2. Immediately identify pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as children under three years of age, in order to immediately establish a social, medical and food protection strategy, under constant supervision.

3. Promote that all children under six months be exclusively breastfed. If disaster conditions are critical, it is preferable to continue breastfeeding for a longer period.

4. Prevent the purchase, donation and/or distribution of feeding bottles and breast milk substitutes.

5. Provide technical and emotional support to mothers who present some difficulty in breastfeeding and those who wish to relactate.
6. Establish specific guidelines so that the small number of infants who need artificial feeding or those who were not being breastfed before the disaster can access breast-milk substitutes and all the elements necessary for them to be adequately prepared and administered . in a hygienic and appropriate manner under the supervision of health workers.

7. Ensure the strict application of the guidelines when artificial lactation is used, which should consider the following:
a) The formula must have a generic presentation;
(b) A timely supply in adequate quantities must be ensured, for as long as necessary;
c) The instructions for its preparation must be clear and graphic to instruct on its own preparation;
d) Graphic demonstrations must be made to the mother or the person who cares for the infant about their own preparation;
(e) Formula must be given in cups, never in bottles;
f) You must provide soap, clean water and fuel for the preparation of the formula;
g) Whenever possible, formula should be prepared in feeding centers.

8. Continuous monitoring of the health and nutrition status of infants, young children and their mothers. In the event that the baby becomes ill or does not present weight gain, the breastfeeding technique or, where appropriate, artificial feeding should be reviewed.

9. Ensure the availability and adequate preparation of healthy complementary foods for children who reach or exceed six months of age. Breastfeeding should not be stopped.

10. Monitor the strict application of the International Code for the Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes and avoid the interference of any person with conflicts of interest.

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