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How to add multiple micronutrient powders

Updated Generic C-IYCF Counselling Package, 2024 (UNICEF | 2024)
How to add multiple micronutrient powders

Key Messages

  • Multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) are a supplement that comes in a small packet or sachet. They can be added to a child’s regular food between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. These powders provide extra nutrients that babies and young children often need.
  • Follow the directions on the MNP sachets or the directions given to you by the person providing the MNP supplement.
  • Before mixing MNPs into your baby’s food, wash your hands with soap and clean running water.
  • Prepare cooked and semi-solid or soft mushy food.
    • Make sure that the food is at ready-to-eat temperature.
    • Do NOT add MNPs to hot food. If the food is hot, the iron and other nutrients in the powder will change the taste and colour of the food.
  • Do NOT add MNPs to any liquids (including water or tea). In liquids, MNPs tend to lump, float or sink to the bottom rather than mix.
  • To add MNPs to a child’s food:
    • Set aside a small portion of food that the child will be able to finish in a single setting.
    • Shake one sachet to ensure that the powder is not clumped.
    • Tear open the sachet and pour the entire contents onto that portion of the child’s food.
    • Mix the MNPs and food together well.
  • Encourage the child to finish the entire small portion of food mixed with MNPs, and then feed the child the rest of the food.
  • Encourage the child to consume the food within 30 minutes of mixing in the MNPs. If the food stands for a longer time, the nutrients will change the colour and taste of the food, and your child might refuse to eat it.
  • You can add the entire packet or sachet of MNPs to any meal. However, only use one packet or sachet of MNPs each day.

Included Images

Complementary Feeding - Adding micronutrient powder to complementary foods - 01 - CIYCF23
Complementary Feeding - Adding micronutrient powder to complementary foods - 02 - CIYCF23
Complementary Feeding - Adding micronutrient powder to complementary foods - 03 - CIYCF23
Complementary Feeding - Adding micronutrient powder to complementary foods - 04 - CIYCF23
Complementary Feeding - Adding micronutrient powder to complementary foods - 05 - CIYCF23
Complementary Feeding - Adding micronutrient powder to complementary foods - 06 - CIYCF23
Complementary Feeding - Adding micronutrient powder to complementary foods - 07 - CIYCF23
Complementary Feeding - Adding micronutrient powder to complementary foods - 08 - CIYCF23
Complementary Feeding - Adding micronutrient powder to complementary foods - 09 - CIYCF23
Complementary Feeding - Adding micronutrient powder to complementary foods - 10 - CIYCF23
Complementary Feeding - Adding micronutrient powder to complementary foods - 11 - CIYCF23
Complementary feeding - Complementary Feeding 6-9 months - 04A - Non-country specific

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