Nutrition and Child Development

Nutrition and Child Development

Nutrition and Child Development
Proper and adequate nutrition is essential for a baby’s growth and development. Nutrition affects not only physical growth, but also cognitive development during a child’s early years. Nutrition is especially important to a developing fetus to ensure its proper growth and development and to minimize the risks of infant mortality. In the United States, low birth weight, along with prematurity is the second leading cause of infant mortality. Low birth weight in a baby who is not premature is “generally a result of inadequate prenatal nutrition, which slows fetal growth” (Papalia, 2008, p. 128). Babies with even moderately low birth weight “are more than 5 times more likely to die” than babies of normal weight (Papalia, 2008, p. 129). Some stillbirths have also been attributed to malnourishment in the womb because many of them “are small for their gestational age” (Papalia, 2008, p. 133). Therefore, it essential that pregnant women receive the proper nutrients to ensure fetal development and lessen the risks of infant deaths. Breast milk is the best food for babies and could be considered the “ultimate health food” (Papalia, 2008, p.147). Not only does breast milk supply an infant with the proper nutrients, it also helps to prevent illnesses and infections and “may reduce the risk of postneonatal death” (Papalia, 2008, p. 147). Breastfeeding has a positive impact not only on an infant’s physical growth, but also on their cognitive growth, and it benefits the nursing mother as well. Proper nutrition in infancy boosts a baby’s immune system and helps the child develop healthy eating habits. Feeding a baby a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, protein, fats, and dairy products, and avoiding “sugar-loaded snacks and beverages” will keep a baby healthy, help him or her grow strong, and may prevent obesity later in life (Sears, 2010). Some of the nutrients that are crucial to a baby’s growth and development are iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. Besides the benefits to a child’s physical growth, many of these nutrients play a critical role in a child’s cognitive development. For a baby’s brain to properly develop, their diet must include adequate fats, as well as the proper amounts of iron and zinc. Iron deficiencies “can lead to thought-processing and motor deficiencies”. “Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency among U. S. children”, and ample Vitamin C in a child’s diet can help to improve iron absorption (Tayloe, 2009).
Zinc affects cognitive development, as well as maintaining a healthy immune system and allowing “optimal cell growth and repair” (Tayloe, 2009). Zinc deficiency can impair growth and increase the risks of infection and diarrhea (Tayloe, 2009). Sufficient calcium in a child’s diet allows the growth of strong bones and teeth and can help prevent future fractures. However, the child must also have an adequate supply of Vitamin D in their diet in order to allow for the calcium to be absorbed. Vitamin A helps to ensure that a baby will develop good eyesight and healthy skin. Vitamin B regulates an infant’s metabolism and promotes both a healthy immune system and a healthy nervous system. It also promotes cell growth and healthy skin and enhances muscle tone. Vitamin E promotes the development of a healthy nervous system and facilitates cell growth. “Vitamin K helps with normal blood clotting”, and is given to newborns to “prevent bleeding into the brain” (Tayloe, 2009). “Children grow faster during the first 3 years, especially during the first few months, than they ever will again” (Papalia, 2008, p. 145). Feeding your newborn breast milk or an iron fortified formula for the first year of life and then providing them with a variety of nutritious foods from all food groups is the best way to ensure their optimum growth and development, both physically and cognitively. It is also the best way to ensure your child’s good health, promote good eating habits later in life, and minimize the risks of obesity.

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References
Papalia, D. E., Olds, S. W., & Feldman, R. D. (2008). A child’s world: infancy through adolescence (11th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
Sears, W.. (2010, April). the healthiest baby on the block. Baby Talk, 75(3), 39-40. Retrieved August 17, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 2035045541).
Tayloe, D.. (2009, August). nutrients babies need. Baby Talk, 74(6), 63-65. Retrieved August 17, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 2043056681).

References: Papalia, D. E., Olds, S. W., & Feldman, R. D. (2008). A child’s world: infancy through adolescence (11th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. Sears, W.. (2010, April). the healthiest baby on the block. Baby Talk, 75(3), 39-40.  Retrieved August 17, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 2035045541). Tayloe, D.. (2009, August). nutrients babies need. Baby Talk, 74(6), 63-65.  Retrieved August 17, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 2043056681).