Table 5 Definitions of complementary feeding indicators according to WHO and UNICEF. [22, 23]

Initiation of complementary feeding

Introduction of complementary foods is the key indicator to understand whether complementary feeding started early, timely or delayed

It is measured as the percentage of infants at age 6–8 months who consumed solid, semisolid or soft foods

Minimum meal frequency (MMF)

The minimum meal frequency captures the caloric sufficiency of a child’s diet.’

It is measured as the minimum number of times, or more, as following;

Minimum solid, semisolid, or soft foods (including formula) for non-breastfed children: 4–5 times at 6–23 months

Minimum solid, semisolid, or soft foods for breastfed children: 2–3 times at 6–8 months and 4 times at 9–23 month with additional snacks 1–2 times per day

Minimum dietary diversity (MDD)

The minimum dietary diversity is the proxy indicator of mean micronutrient density adequacy of a child’s diet and it is measured by counting the numbers of food groups.’

Children aged 6–23 months should consume 5 out of 8 recommended food groups. The recommended 8 food and beverages groups are:

1. breast milk

2. grains, roots, and tubers

3. legumes and nuts;

4. dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese, infant formula)

5. flesh foods (meat, fish, poultry and liver/ organ meats);

6. eggs;

7. vitamin-A rich fruits and vegetables, and

8. other fruits and vegetables

Minimum acceptable diet (MAD)

‘The minimum acceptable diet indicator captures a child’s diet as a proxy of energy adequacy and micronutrient density which measures the proportion with different requirements for breastfed and non-breastfeed child.’

This indicator combines minimum meal frequency and minimum dietary diversity