Infant feeding: the Planting of Healthy Habits from Childhood

The infant feeding transcends the simple act of nurturing the body. During childhood are laying the foundation of habits that accompany people throughout their life. This crucial stage of development represents a window of extraordinary opportunity to introduce healthy dietary practices that not only promote the growth optimum physical, but also emotional and cognitive development of children.

Patterns of infant feeding that occur between 2 and 12 years tend to perpetuate itself in adolescence and adulthood, becoming a fundamental determinants of health in the future. To understand this responsibility invites us to reflect about how we can guide our children toward a healthy relationship, and balanced with the food.

Foundations of a child’s diet balanced

A child feeding adequate to provide all the necessary nutrients for growth and development, while the form eating habits positive. These are the fundamental pillars:

Variety and color in each meal

Children need a wide range of nutrients that can only be obtained through a varied diet:

• Fruit and vegetables: they contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The goal is to include at least 5 servings daily, by combining different colors.
• Quality protein: lean Meats, fish, eggs, legumes and dairy products, tailored to the age of the child.
• Whole grains: they Provide sustained energy and help maintain satiety.
• Healthy fats: Present in avocado, nuts (adapted to the age to avoid atragantamientos), olive oil, and fatty fish.

A dish visually attractive, with foods of different colors, textures and flavors, is not only more nutritious but also more challenging for the small guests.

Establishment of routines, food

The structure and predictability in the infant feeding generates safety in children:

• Regular hours: Set 5 meals a day (breakfast, mid-morning, lunch, snack and dinner) with schedules relatively fixed.
• Calm ambiance: Create a dining space free from distractions, especially without electronic devices.
• Family meals: Whenever possible, eating together promotes healthy habits by example and strengthens family ties.

Effective strategies to promote healthy eating

Implement best practices of infant feeding requires patience, consistency, and a few key strategies:

The power of example

Children learn mainly through imitation. Adults are role models are crucial:

• Show enjoy: Express pleasure at eating healthy foods.
• Consistency: to Avoid the incongruity between ‘what I say and what I do.’
• Verbalize feelings: Comment flavors pleasant, interesting textures or how we feel after you eat well.

Active participation of children

Involve the little ones in the food process significantly increases their interest in trying new foods:

• Menu planning: Allow them to choose between healthy options pre-selected.
• Shopping: to Make the visit to the market or supermarket, an educational adventure.
• Preparation: Assign tasks appropriate to their age, from washing fruits to mix ingredients.
• Creation of plates: to Enable them to ‘decorate’ their meals to increase its appeal.

Educate without pressing

The power supply must not become a field of battle:

• Offer not force: Introduce new foods repeatedly (can take up to 15 exposures) without forcing your consumption.
• Avoid labeling: does Not classify the children as ‘fussy’ or ‘bad eaters’.
• Respect to signals of hunger and satiety: Teaching them to identify these feelings is the key to preventing eating disorders in the future.

Prevention of nutritional problems common

A child feeding properly it acts as a shield against various health issues becoming more prevalent:

Obesity

This public health problem can be prevented by:

• Portion Control: Adapt the quantities to the age, physical activity, and individual needs.
• Limitation of food ultraprocesados: Reduce the consumption of products with a high content of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.
• Promoting physical activity: to Compliment the feeding habits of regular movement.
• Adequate hydration: Prioritize the water over sugary drinks.

Nutritional deficiencies-specific

Some nutrients that require special attention in the infant feeding:

• Iron: Essential for cognitive development and the prevention of anemia.
• Calcium and vitamin D: Essential for bone formation during this period of rapid growth.
• Omega-3 fatty acidsImportant for brain and visual development.
• Fiber: Needed for good digestive health and the prevention of constipation.

Management of food allergies and intolerances

Allergies and intolerances represent an additional challenge in the child’s diet that requires special attention:

Identification and diagnosis professional

Given the suspicion of allergy or food intolerance, it is essential to:

• Specialized consultation: Visit a pediatrician or allergist for an accurate diagnosis.
• Avoid self: do Not eliminate food groups without professional supervision.

Adaptation nutritious

After a confirmed diagnosis:

• Appropriate substitution: Replace the food problem for alternatives nutritionally equivalent.
• Reading labels: Learn how to identify hidden ingredients.
• Education for the environment: Inform family, school, and their caregivers about the restrictions necessary.

Frequently asked questions about infant feeding

What to do if my child refuses to try new foods?

Neophobia food (afraid to try new foods) is very common in childhood. The most effective strategies include: repeatedly offered the food without press (may be required 10-15 exposures), present it in a variety of forms and attractive, to model the behavior eating that food with enthusiasm in front of the child, and involve you in the preparation. Avoid labeling your child as ‘fussy’ and keep a positive atmosphere during meals. Patience is key, with time and consistency, most of the children expand their repertoire of food.

Do I need vitamin supplements in infant feeding?

For the majority of children with a balanced and varied diet, supplements are not necessary. However, they can be recommended in specific cases such as: children with diets very restrictive (vegan strict generally need to supplement B12), allergies, multiple, with problems of intestinal absorption, or at certain stages of growth accelerated. Vitamin D can be recommended in children with little exposure to sunlight. Always consult with a pediatrician before administering any supplement, since excessive doses of certain vitamins can be harmful.

How to manage the consumption of sugars and processed foods?

Instead of completely banning sweets and processed (which may make them more attractive), it is preferable to set clear limits and specific occasions for consumption. You can implement strategies, such as defining specific days for special desserts, to offer alternatives that are naturally sweet like fruits, reading nutrition labels to identify sugars hidden, and gradually teach about nutrition tailored to the age of the child. Remember that it is more important to the education and the balance that the restriction is absolute, because the goal is to form a healthy relationship with all foods.

Conclusion: Sow in order to reap health

The infant feeding is much more to cover nutritional needs; it is an education for life. Every meal is an opportunity to establish a positive relationship with food and to sow habits that will flourish in the form of health care throughout all of existence.

The example, the patience and the positive approach, are the most powerful tools that the imposition. Educate on healthy eating is an act of love that transcends the immediate and projected its benefits into the future.

Let’s remember that our goal is not just to children to ‘eat well’ today, but give them the tools so that they can make food choices healthy throughout your life. Good infant feeding is, without a doubt, one of the most precious investments we can make in the health and well-being of the next generations.

Are you worried about the infant feeding your children and you need professional guidance? Book now for a personalized consultation with our specialists in nutrition.