CHILDHOOD NUTRITION

Prenatal Nutrition Proper development during the prenatal period depends on the right nutrients. This responsibility falls on the mother.

Prenatal Nutrition Cont. The major nutrients that a mother needs during pregnancy are: –Protein –Iron –Calcium –Folic Acid Pregnant women need folic acid within the first 28 days to prevent neural tube defects, such as spina-bifida.

Prenatal Nutrition Cont. Excellent food sources include foods, such as: fish, poultry, meat, eggs, dry beans, enriched breads and cereals, fruits, and dark green vegetables.

Newborns to Infants (0 to 18 months)

Feeding Newborns There are two choices for feeding newborn infants: –Breast feeding –Bottle feeding The protein in breast milk is more easily digested and absorbed than cow’s milk. The mother’s breast milk provides many essential nutrients and anti-bodies which help protect the baby from infection.

Feeding Newborns Cont. A woman who is breast-feeding should eat the same kinds of foods recommended during pregnancy and should drink plenty of liquids. After the first four to six months, the baby will be ready for “solid” food.

Warning for Infants! Never give honey to infants younger than 1 year of age. Honey has a spore that produces Botulism. Infants do not have the enzymes in their digestive tracts necessary to prevent growth of this bacteria within their bodies. IT CAN BE FATAL!

Children have very small stomachs that cannot hold very much food at one time. Therefore, they need between- meal snacks to help supply enough energy and nutrients. Nutrient dense snacks could include: juice, yogurt, milk, fruits, vegetables, cooked meat, unsweetened cereal, whole grain crackers

Introduce foods one at a time, not all at once.

Toddlers (18 months to 4 years)

Serve foods that vary in color, texture, shape, size and temperature. If the food has eye appeal, children will be more likely to eat it and to meet their nutritional needs. Eat meals with children. Be a role – model for good eating habits and behavior. Avoid using food as a reward or punishment. It gives children the wrong impression about the purpose of food. Don’t encourage children to become members of the “clean- your-plate society.” insisting that they finish all their food, even after their hunger is satisfied, can lead to overeating in later years. ( Eating habits and attitudes of children usually DO NOT change in adulthood.)

When possible, let children choose what foods they want to eat for some meals. Teach children as soon as possible, how to prepare nutrient-rich foods by and for themselves Children’s taste-buds are very sensitive. Avoid serving extremely spicy, sweet or sour foods.

Childhood Nutrition (4 years to 11 years)

Follow the Food Guide Pyramid for Kids. It states that every child needs: –Grains –Vegetables –Fruits –Milk –Meat and Beans

Continue to get nutrient rich foods in your diet. Include 60 minutes of exercise a day.