What is the foundation of an infants dietary intake for the first year of life?
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Your little one will no longer just be sitting with the family at the dining table having his own special “curated” meal. Show
Prepare meals using very little salt, sugar and oil for the whole family so that your little one-year-old can eat what everyone else is eating. This is a great opportunity to get everyone in the family to eat healthier! Remember that your kid looks up to you, so parents need to set a good example by eating the same food as your little one. Related: Healthy Home Meals on a Budget Know Your ServingsHere is the recommended number of servings from each food group per day to make sure that your child gets all the nutrients he needs for a balanced diet. Recommended Total Servings in a DayWholegrains (Brown rice and wholemeal bread) Fruit Vegetables Meat and Others Meat Dairy foods or calcium-rich foods 2 - 3 ½ - 1 ½ ½ 1 ½ 2 servings of brown rice or bread = 4 slices of bread or 1 bowl of rice You can continue to feed your child breast milk after he turns one. If your child has been drinking formula milk, you may choose to switch to full cream milk instead. Related: Remembering My Breastfeeding Days: The First Year Use My Healthy PlateDon’t forget your best mate for a healthy meal — My Healthy Plate.  Related: Plan Your Meals with My Healthy Plate Nutrition Tips for Your Toddler1. Healthier Snacks that Pack a PunchAs mum and dad would know by now, there are times when the little one doesn’t eat very much. Children can be fussy eaters, so it’s very important that every bite the little one takes packs a bunch of nutrients for growth and development. This means less sugary treats, which don’t have much nutritious value, and opting for healthier and more nutritious snacks packed with vitamins and minerals such as wholemeal bread or biscuits, yoghurt, or fruit and veggies instead. Avoid sugary snacks like dried fruit, which can be high in calories. Go for fresh fruit! Related: Steamed Wholemeal Bread Cupcake 2. Fat isn’t All BadIt’s good to be mindful of what you eat, but don’t be too strict when it comes to fat just yet. Low-fat food and diets are not suitable for children below the age of 2 years. If there is a history of obesity and other weight-related problems in the family, it would be a good idea to consult with a doctor first. Related: The Skinny on Trans Fats 3. Water and Milk Over Flavoured DrinksWater and milk (breast, formula or full cream cow’s milk) is the best for our bodies, and also your child’s growing body. When your child’s thirsty, milk or water are the best choices—avoid juice, flavoured milk and soft drinks. Related: The Drop of Life — 6 Reasons to Drink Water 4. A Bit of Creativity and VarietyAnyone would get sick of eating the same food all the time. Try planning the meals a week in advance so your child gets a variety of foods from dairy products to fruits and vegetables throughout the week. When it comes to food for one-year-olds, remember that vegetables don’t always have to be green, and you can add a splash of colour to spice up a dull-looking meal. Carrots, tomatoes and pumpkin are all fun veggies to feed your child. Moulds can also help create small pieces of fun, interesting shapes to attract your child’s attention and whet up an appetite! Related: Shopping for Fruit and Veggies 5. Nurturing Healthy Eating HabitsIt is never too early to start building a strong foundation for your child’s dietary habits. Studies have shown that food preferences and eating habits formed during childhood follow the child into adulthood. So why not nudge your child in the right direction, and help your baby make wiser food choices now? For example, take him grocery shopping and have him pick out fresh fruits and veggies, or read nutrition labels together and use the chance to teach him about calories and nutrients! This is a fantastic opportunity to teach him about food, and how to make healthier choices for a healthier life. Other good habits to build:
6. Avoid Using Food as a Reward or PunishmentMealtimes should be relaxing, pleasant, and fun. Getting angry because your child does not finish his meal, or offering a piece of chocolate as a reward if he does will not help your child foster a healthy relationship with food. Related: Happy with Healthier Food 7. Be a Good Role ModelMealtimes are a great opportunity to build closer family bonds and also teachable moments for your child. You are your child’s very first teacher, so be a good role model and show how you, too, practice healthy eating habits. For more information on early nutrition and weaning recipes for your toddler, visit Early Childhood Nutrition. Visit Parent Hub, for more useful tips and guides to give your baby a healthy start. Download the HealthHub app on Google Play or Apple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips. What is the foundation of an infant's dietary intake for the first year of life?Experts say breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies during the first 6 months, but formula can be a good alternative.
What is the foundation of an infant's dietary intake for the first year of life quizlet?Age-appropriate solid foods should be added to the infant's eating pattern around 4 to 6 months of age. Even after solid foods are added, the foundation of an infant's dietary pattern for the first year is still human milk or infant formula.
What is the main source of nutrition for babies during most of the first year?Breast milk is a great source of nutrition for your baby. Learn about choosing an infant formula, preparing and storing infant formula, and how much and how often to feed. Feed your baby breast milk or infant formula from a bottle.
What are the dietary needs for infants?Breast milk is the only food or drink babies need in the first 6 months of their life. It's best to carry on breastfeeding alongside an increasingly varied diet once you introduce solid foods. Infant formula is the only suitable alternative to breast milk in the first 12 months of your baby's life.
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