Child Nutrition
Nutrition
Nutrition is what fuels a child’s body for growth. With genetics and the other factor’s out there that tend to have a negative perspective on infant and toddler nutrition, parents must make sure that what they are feeding their children is the best choice and not just the most convenient. Infancy nutrition is extremely important for infants because of the rapid physical growth they experience during this time. “Children grow faster during the first 3 years, especially during the first few months, than they ever will again” (p.145). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of nutrition during the infancy and toddler-hood periods. Proper nutrition during pregnancy also plays a vital role in determining the health of the newborn child. Foods and their nutrients are essential to life. In the beginning years of life an infant’s nutritional health depends on the parents. The most important source of nutrition for infants can be found in breast milk. Breast-feeding is not the only option, but is definitely considered to be the best source of nutrition an infant can receive. Breast milk contains a balance of the essential vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that a baby’ growing body needs. Iron fortified formulas are a good alternative to breast milk if the mother experiences any complications while trying to breast feed. As a child makes the transition from infant to toddler the most important factor during this time is feeding them well-balanced meals. When a child enters into the preschool years, the nutritional needs of the child shifts from the parents to the caregivers. The patterns developed in infancy and toddler years, are the most important developmental stages for implementing healthy eating and exercise patterns. Establishing healthy habits in early childhood is easier for younger children. Healthy nutrition patterns help to develop optimal growth as well as cognitive development. Healthy
Nutrition is what fuels a child’s body for growth. With genetics and the other factor’s out there that tend to have a negative perspective on infant and toddler nutrition, parents must make sure that what they are feeding their children is the best choice and not just the most convenient. Infancy nutrition is extremely important for infants because of the rapid physical growth they experience during this time. “Children grow faster during the first 3 years, especially during the first few months, than they ever will again” (p.145). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of nutrition during the infancy and toddler-hood periods. Proper nutrition during pregnancy also plays a vital role in determining the health of the newborn child. Foods and their nutrients are essential to life. In the beginning years of life an infant’s nutritional health depends on the parents. The most important source of nutrition for infants can be found in breast milk. Breast-feeding is not the only option, but is definitely considered to be the best source of nutrition an infant can receive. Breast milk contains a balance of the essential vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that a baby’ growing body needs. Iron fortified formulas are a good alternative to breast milk if the mother experiences any complications while trying to breast feed. As a child makes the transition from infant to toddler the most important factor during this time is feeding them well-balanced meals. When a child enters into the preschool years, the nutritional needs of the child shifts from the parents to the caregivers. The patterns developed in infancy and toddler years, are the most important developmental stages for implementing healthy eating and exercise patterns. Establishing healthy habits in early childhood is easier for younger children. Healthy nutrition patterns help to develop optimal growth as well as cognitive development. Healthy
References: Papalia, D. & Olds & S. Feldmen.R. (2008) A child’s world (11th ED.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Falkner, B., & Michel, S. (1999). Obesity and Other Risks Factors in Children. Retrieved July 2, 2009 from: http://apt.allenpress.com/perlserv/?request