Eating well helps children develop strong bodies and healthy attitudes that will strongly influence their eventual health as adults. "The science is very clear that kids form lifelong food preferences and behaviors when they're young," says Parents.com adviser Connie Diekman, RD, president of the American Dietetic Association.
Infant Nutrition and Physical Development
Obtaining the proper nutrients is essential for infant development. Breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth, according to the World Health Organization. Feeding an infant exclusively with breast milk until the child is 6 months old is recommended, and then add appropriate complementary foods to his diet. For mothers who cannot breastfeed, formula is an option. Mothers should choose a formula with ingredients that include omega fatty acids because they are essential for the infant's brain development. "Major infant brain growth occurs during pregnancy and throughout the first two years of life. During these times, infants have the greatest need for DHA omega-3 and AA omega-6," according to "Medical News Today."
Infant Nutrition and Behavioral Development
A mother who responds to her infant's feeding needs provides her with emotional connection skills she will use throughout her lifetime. As the infant recognizes her mother's voice and smell, her attachment will grow. "Bonding helps a baby feel secure and learn to trust other people--she knows that she can depend on someone," explains Jennifer Shu, MD, coauthor of "Heading Home with Your Newborn, From Birth to Reality" and a Parents.com adviser. "And this will affect how she relates to others later on in life and how she handles stress."
Child Nutrition and Physical Development
After infancy, young children experience significant growth spurts and will need foods that support their physical development, according to Parents.com. Include plenty of calcium in your child's diet to help him build strong bones and teeth. Calcium is instrumental for proper nerve, muscle, and heart function. Pay attention to a child's iron levels, as iron helps build his blood supply. And folic acid, generally heralded for preventing fetal birth defects during pregnancy, is important for young children because it supports cell development and growth. A diet high in vitamin C ensures the child will have strong blood vessels, and contributes to bone and teeth formation.
Child Nutrition and Behavioral Development
Parents who model good nutrition help their children develop positive relationships with food. "The science is very clear that kids form lifelong food preferences and behaviors when they're young," says Parents adviser Connie Diekman. Involve children in healthy meal planning. Ask them to make food choices and assist with food preparation to teach them ownership, agency and a positive feeling of contribution. Be sure to prepare meals on a routine schedule. Children thrive on structure, which will pave the way to healthy eating habits during adulthood, according to Parents.com.
Treats
When children grow older, they will inevitably be exposed to sodas and sugary foods at their friends' houses and in public settings. When they are still young, it makes sense to avoid these foods and give them healthy treats instead. For example, if they grow up thinking an orange is a sweet treat, cookies and ice cream may be less enticing later when they are eating without you, according to Parents adviser Connie Diekman.
References
- Parents.com: Raise a Healthy Eater
- European Food Information Council: Child and adolescent nutrition
- "Medical News Today": Recommendation By International Experts: Infant Formula Should Contain DHA Omega-3 And AA Omega-6
- Parents.com: 9 Must-Eat Nutrients for Your Child
- Parents.com: Bonding with Baby
