Nutrition for kids is the most important thing. It is the foundation for most of their growth, development, metabolism and immunity. From the day a baby is born till the day they hit puberty, every day is a growth phase and there will be growth spurts every now and then. Hormones don’t just hit adolescents but they are active in the kids as well. Food, water, activities, fitness and mental health, environmental and societal influences all play a major role in shaping a child. Let us know more about paediatric nutrition in this article. Nutrition in a child’s life is all about balance. There are lots of inhibitions about kids and their nourishment. When to eat, how much to eat, how to eat will always remain quizzing to a parent. Most mothers are sensitive to emotional when it comes to feeding their children. Food and feeding Is a stressful trigger to most parents.
What kind of nutrition is good for babies ?
As breastfeeding is preferred from birth to 6 months or more. Once they reach the age of solids and semi solids, they are just developing their tolerance towards various foods, exploring their taste buds, expanding their digestive process. It is preferable to always start with basic nutrition like rice or wheat based foods to babies that can be homemade or store bought. Always remember that store bought feeds contain their fair share of preservatives, emulsifiers, vegetable fats (they contain calories but are non nutritous). Babies gain weight with store brought formulas but it also increases their rate of risks for fat deposits in the body than building their muscle. Healthy fats like ghee,butter, curd and milk can be given. Light proteins and carbohydrates like rice, wheat and pulses can be given. Do not introduce nuts and millets into their diet until a certain stage when you start with semi solids.
Nutrition for kids from 1 – 2 years of age .
Food becomes the foundation for kids from the age of 1 (12 months) as the growth and development is not just physical but psychological as well. Food and environment becomes a crucial factor for their gross and fine motor skills. A balanced diet is important during this stage focusing more on their large muscle group. Nutritous food, physical activity also help them to gain fine motor skills. This is the stage where you can include most of the dairy products, nuts, pulses, millets along with rice and wheat. Families that consume non vegetarian food can slowly and steadily include eggs, chicken and fish in their children’s diet. This is the stage where you inculcate healthy eating habits in your child like giving them a fruit in the morning, adding nuts into their snack time etc. Do not force feed your kids as that will only lead to food revenge. Also observe minor changes in your child’s bowel movements and skin rashes as this is the stage where they might show up allergic reactions to certain foods.
Nutrition for ages 2-5 years.
The same diet and lifestyle of 12 months continues even for the age groups 2 – 5 years but there is increased resistance with regards to food within the child. The is the time when the parent either starts threatening their kid or entirely gives up on feeding them. Toddlers or preschoolers of this age are very assertive and have their own mood swings. They are as cranky as teenagers. This age group also picks up on new behaviours. Their new behaviours might even develop into lifelong habits. Environment changes, growth spurts, hormones, parenting behaviour, all play a major role in a child’s behavioural pattern. A child can go not eating for hours together not realising their hunger and thirst at this age. This type of behavior will lead to dangerous consequences during their adolescence and adulthood. Feeding frequency, amount of food on the plate, snacking, main course, hydration should all be intelligently planned according to their state of mind.
Always consult a pediatrician, a Dietitian and a child psychologist for more help and information. Experts can provide you with scientific reasons and advices that is authentic.
Eating patterns and lifestyle continues with certain minor changes even after 5 years. Ofcourse one can make many modifications in the diet but the basic behavioural pattern remains constant unless there are any medical emergencies, sickness or psychological disturbances.
Do write to nutreboot@gmail.com for your queries and questions. Visit http://www.nutreboot.com for more information. Follow the official page ‘NUtreboot’ on social-media to stay well updated on health and wellness. Author Manisha B K Qualified Nutritionist, Mental health coach, Certified Yoga Trainer.
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