The foods you feed your child throughout infancy and toddlerhood lay the framework for good health as well as healthy habits. Young children who do not have their nutritional needs met may suffer from poor health or, in severe cases, failure to thrive. If you have concerns about your child's diet, contact your pediatrician.
Infant Feeding
Both the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breast-feeding for the first four to six months of life. The WHO also recommends the continuation of breast-feeding through the second year of life and beyond, if desired. Breast-feeding your infant decreases his risk of developing infections, such as ear infections and diarrhea, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. If you are unable to breast-feed your baby, buy baby formula fortified with iron. Most babies can drink milk-based formula, but some need to drink soy formula or hypoallergenic formula. Ask your baby's doctor for a recommendation, and do not give your infant cow's milk, as it can cause anemia and is not nutritionally adequate for an infant.
Allergies
The foods your baby or toddler eats may impact whether she develops food allergies in the future. The American Dietetic Association states that breast-feeding can reduce your baby's risk of develop an allergy to cow's milk. Avoid introducing potential allergens, such as fish, eggs and nut products, during your baby's first six months. After that, the ADA states, introduce foods one at a time so you can catch allergic reactions early, and report these responses to your baby's doctor.
Toddlerhood
As your baby grows into a toddler, his nutritional needs will change. He will be getting most or all of his calories from table foods instead of from breast milk or formula. KidsHealth from Nemours explains that, by the time your toddler is 2 years old, he may need between 1,000 and 1,400 calories each day. Setting up good habits now can make it easier for your child to stick to a healthy diet when he is older. Feed him a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and protein.
Considerations
If you need help determining whether your child's diet is adequate, talk to her pediatrician. If you are having trouble breast-feeding, contact a lactation consultant or ask your obstetrician for advice. Many breast-feeding problems can be overcome. KidsHealth recommends giving toddlers up to the age of 24 months whole dairy products to ensure normal growth and brain development. Do not give your infant or toddler vitamin supplements without the advice of a doctor.
Member Comments