Nutrition Tips for Children
by Amy Magnuson, MS, RD

Breast Feeding
Breast feeding is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Canadian Pediatric Society and the American Dietetic Association. An infant grows faster during the first year of life than ever again, the infant's bodyweight doubles during the first 4 - 6 months and triples within the first year. The growth of an infant is a major indicator of his or her nutrition status.

Formula Feeding
Formulas are manufactured to model the nutrient composition of breast milk, although the immunologic protection of breast milk cannot be duplicated. Formula provides adequate nourishment for the baby. Cow’s milk is not recommended during the first year of life. Some formulas may provide insufficient vitamin C & iron, & excessive sodium & protein.

Feeding a 4 – 6 Month Old Infant
A 4 to 6 Month Old infant usually requires additional iron. They can receive iron through iron-fortified cereal. The most important nutrient of all for an infant is water because most of an infant's body weight is water. Conditions that can cause water loss are: hot weather, vomiting, diarrhea & sweating. Life-threatening dehydration can occur if fluid is not replaced. An infant can usually get the fluid they need through breast milk or formula. Solid foods should be added to the diet when an infant is showing signs of readiness. If the infant can sit upright with support, and can control his own head movements, he may be ready for solid foods. Pureed vegetables and/or fruits can also be added one by one at this time.

Feeding a 6 - 8 Month Old
Although formula and/or breast milk should still be the baby’s primary source of nutrition, mashed vegetables, fruits, infant breads and crackers can also be added at this time.

Feeding a 8 - 10 Month Old
In addition to breast milk and/or formula, protein foods (cheeses, yogurt, tofu, mashed cooked beans, finely chopped meat, fish, chicken, egg yolk), toast, teething crackers, soft-cooked vegetables & meat can all be added at this time.

Feeding a 10 - 12 Month Old
Whole egg and whole milk (at 1 year) can be added at this time. Do not offer fat-free or low fat milk until 2 years of age. Avoid giving infants: high sodium foods (canned vegetables, etc.), honey (can cause botulism), foods that could cause choking: popcorn, nuts, hotdogs, raw carrots, whole grapes and hard candy. Introduce new foods one at a time to help detect allergies if they arise.

Tips on Feeding Children
Meal times should be relaxed and leisurely. A child should stop eating when she is full. The child should not be required to "clean" her plate. Small portions should be served to children on small plates. Children should consume adequate fat (30%), and should definitely not be placed on a "fat-free" diet. Food should not be used as a reward or as a comfort for unhappiness and food deprivation should not be associated with punishment.

In order to prevent choking, children should avoid eating while watching television or performing any other activity. The calorie needs of children are 1000 calories per day for a 1-year old, 1300 calories per day for a 3-year old and 2000 calories per day for a 10-year old. Active children need more calories than inactive children. Children should not be allowed to skip meals because nutrients cannot be made up. Children should never be encouraged to diet because it will make it more difficult to receive the nutrients they need. Breakfast is a very important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast has caused a decrease in concentration, attention span, test scores, and more absences in children. A variety of nutritious foods should be available for children. Foods should not be forced upon them. Vegetables should be encouraged in a child's diet. Children prefer mild, undercooked, crunchy, vegetables (peas, carrots, corn).

 

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