should children on RUTF be given other foods

From the FANTA-2 generic CMAM protocol: The caregiver is advised to feed the child with small amounts of RUTF, encourage the child to finish the allocated daily ration before giving any other foods (except for breast milk) and encourage the child to eat as often as possible (every three-to-four hours). The RUTF ration is a full food ration for the child; the child should not eat anything else except breast milk during the first week. The breastfed child should be offered breast milk on demand and before being fed RUTF. Safe drinking water should be given after feeding the child RUTF to keep the child hydrated. Caregivers should be advised not to mix RUTF with liquids as this may foster bacteria growth.

The correct ration of RUTF will provide the child with all of their nutritional needs for recovery from SAM. The simplest messages to give the carer are: "The child should eat all of the daily ration before being given any other foods (apart from breastmilk)." "If the child is breastfeeding continue to put the child to the breast regularly." "If not breasfeeding always offer the child water to dring whilst he/she is eating the RUTF."

Can you give the child food after taking rutf? in the event that the child is not breastfeeding? 

The answer is ☑️ yes, you can give a child food after taking RUTF, even if the child is not breastfeeding.

RUTF (ready-to-use therapeutic food) is a high-energy, nutrient-dense paste that is used to treat severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children. It is designed to be the sole source of nutrition for children with SAM, but it can also be given alongside other foods if the child is able to tolerate them.

If a child is not breastfeeding, it is important to give them other foods in addition to RUTF to ensure that they are getting all of the nutrients they need. Good options for foods to give alongside RUTF include:

• Soft, cooked foods: These are easy for children to digest, such as mashed potatoes, rice, cereal, and yogurt.
• Protein-rich foods: These are important for muscle growth and repair, such as eggs, beans, lentils, and fish.
• Fruits and vegetables: These provide vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health.

It is important to start with small amounts of food and gradually increase the amount as the child tolerates it. Offer the child food after they have finished their RUTF ration.

If you have any questions or concerns about feeding a child who is taking RUTF, please consult with a healthcare professionals.

The answer is ☑️ yes, you can give a child food after taking RUTF, even if the child is not breastfeeding.

RUTF (ready-to-use therapeutic food) is a high-energy, nutrient-dense paste that is used to treat severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children. It is designed to be the sole source of nutrition for children with SAM, but it can also be given alongside other foods if the child is able to tolerate them.

If a child is not breastfeeding, it is important to give them other foods in addition to RUTF to ensure that they are getting all of the nutrients they need. Good options for foods to give alongside RUTF include:

• Soft, cooked foods: These are easy for children to digest, such as mashed potatoes, rice, cereal, and yogurt.
• Protein-rich foods: These are important for muscle growth and repair, such as eggs, beans, lentils, and fish.
• Fruits and vegetables: These provide vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health.

It is important to start with small amounts of food and gradually increase the amount as the child tolerates it. Offer the child food after they have finished their RUTF ration.

If you have any questions or concerns about feeding a child who is taking RUTF, please consult with a healthcare professionals.