Childhood nutrition means giving essential nutrients to children. Childhood is a crucial stage in one’s life. The growing year of the children is very important for the development of their mind and body. It is very necessary to have a healthy diet containing vitamin, minerals and essential nutrients to young children. Example calcium and iron are necessary for their bones.
Childhood is important because children gain height, weight and they got all this with a healthy and nutritive diet. Due to the lack of a healthy diet, there is a problem of obesity in children which may lead to Osteoporosis, eventually. Proteins, fats, carbohydrate, trans fats, water, green vegetables and grains are the nutrition sources which impact on children’s growth.
New-born babies have a low level of energy, proteins and they get all this by a healthy diet. Mother’s breast milk for Infants (up to 6 months of age) is their entire diet. Milk contains all the nutrients required for baby’s health. Infants should be breastfed every 2 to 3 hours, at least 8-12 times a day. For babies who are intolerant toward milk, there is goat milk or lactose-free milk formulation also available in the market. This type of milk is fed 6 to 9 times a day.
In 6th month of age, solid food in the form of iron-rich cereal can also be given to children. In 12 months of age high nutritive diet become a high priority. Toddlers need calcium-rich food for the development of their bones. They need fibre-rich food to keep their heart-healthy and prevent constipation.
6-7-year-old children need a protein-rich diet example of egg, milk, peanut butter. Teenage children need more calories to make up for the body changes. In this phase of life, there is an increase in body fat and blood volume in girls, lean body mass in boys of this age group. Especially in girls, deficiency of iron is observed during their menstrual cycle.
It is important to increase calcium intake in boys and girls because it is important for bone and mass. Avoid sugary drinks, limit sugar and add more fruits in your children diet and modify recipes to make them tasty or healthy. Making the habit of eating healthy for your children is good for their health.
With proper nourishment, children grow healthy and strong. Training them good eating habits ensures a healthy lifestyle when they become adults. Although it becomes difficult to encourage them to eat green leafy vegetables or foods that they do not like. But presenting them every time with different recipe styles may help them make up their minds. Thus to reap the benefits of childhood nutrition in later periods of life.