For babies, proper nutrition is very key for the development of the body and brains. Proper feeding for infants will help lower morbidity and mortality, this is by reducing risks of chronic diseases throughout their life’s span. More importantly, boosting regular mental and physical development.
This is to say infant nutrition is the master foundation of development ,body immunity and taming the risks of chronic diseases when properly administered, also it can be the major cause of future problems ,health wise when it is recklessly done.
According to WHO, Wrong feeding practices contribute to a third of all cases of child malnutrition. Where it entails, proliferation of processed food like infant formula and products rich in salt, free sugars and trans fats. This exposes them to obesity largely.
Every infant has a right to correct feeding. Though it’s a common knowledge that many parents can’t afford the required dietary diversity and feeding frequency.
Lets look at the most important nutrients in a baby’s diet
This is not insinuate that other foods are more important than the other, they are equally important in different ways, however there are those to be prioritized more in this case.
This are nutrients you will want to consider most for your baby,
- Vitamins A,B,C, and E ,
This four promote healthy brain and nerve development. It will also help in proper functioning and development of the skin, eyes and immune system.
- Whole grains and complex carbohydrates
This will add essential vitamins and minerals ,also some proteins. The sources of this are ;whole grain bread, brown rice, lentils, beans ,and peas.
- Calcium
Breast milk is a major source for this case in the first year.
- Protein
Breast feeding will do this for the first one year, then its time to introduce other protein foods such as eggs, meat, chicken, and fish.
- High fat foods
As babies advance from breast milk which was the highest provider of their calories, its important to maintain the levels of fat and cholesterol.
This can be acquired from dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt, also avocado.
- Iron
Bottle fed babies are advantaged of iron ,compared to breast fed babies which will need an addition of other sources.
After four months you might want to consider talking to their paedetrician on giving the baby liquid –iron supplement until you can commence including iron rich solids in her balanced diet.
Iron can be drawn from, fortified baby cereals. Also boosted by meat, eggs, wheat germ and cooked dried peas.
- Fluids
After 6 months of age, when the baby starts taking solids small amounts of water will be needed. This can be drawn from juicy fruits, sips of water with meals and vegetables.
All these and more help the child ripe the great benefits of having a balanced diet.
In the first 6 months breast milk or formula will cater for all your child’s nutrition. After this you will have to be careful to keep up the diet of the baby. This is so crucial since it builds up the foundation of the baby development.
Sharing your children’s progress with your paedetrician, other mothers will help up your experience on raising your child right in terms of nutrition.
It is also important to note that ,not all children are the same, and you may need special assistance for special cases in babies.
