Babies are the most delicate beings in this universe. They deserve to have everything with great care and love. Among all other babies’ requirements, food is the most important one. In reality, food is important for adults and old people too. Then think about how important it is for the babies. None can deny its importance. New scientific studies show that food we intake not only has impacts on our physical health and growth but also food has a great impact on our mental health as well.
It is advisable to parents that they should keep every detail about their baby’s food by reflecting back on the following queries:
- What is their baby eating?
- Is it healthy or not?
- Can their baby digest certain food?
- Is their baby allergic to the food or not?
- What are the macronutrients they are giving to their baby?
- How many calories does food contain? Is it enough for the baby or not?
These are some of the important questions which parents must ask themselves regularly.
In the very article, we have discussed some of the important nutritional facts that you must know. These facts will help you to devise a proper meal plan for your little one. This will help you to minimize the information vacuum regarding the intake of your child.
Nutritional information you need to know
Here we are going to discuss some important information that you can only get via a certified nutritionist. But we think that this is the most important information that everyone should know regardless of consulting a nutritionist as it is everyone’s right.
Macronutrients and their importance for children:
If you are giving your child good carbohydrates, lipids, proteins then your child will show good growth and development. All these nutrients come under the category of macronutrients, and they are essential for building a healthy body, growth, and development.
Proper nutrition will build a strong base for a healthy, active, strong body, as well as mind. Moreover, fulfilling the nutritional requirements is also good for toddler activities as this will provide the energy to play all day.
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Parents must choose those foods for their children that can fulfill all the requirements of macronutrients. Without them, it would be difficult for the sound development of the body because body cells need all these ingredients in a fixed amount for building body tissues and ultimately developing and growing the body.
Providing carbs, fas, and lipids less than the actual requirement will lead to malnutrition in the body. And providing them in excess will lead to other health issues, for example, obesity. Hence, a balanced diet is essential for the child’s ideal growth.
Micronutrients and their importance for children:
Apart from macronutrients, micronutrients are essential too. Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are needed by the body in small amounts. However, this small amount must be fulfilled as their deficiencies lead to many health-related issues. For example, calcium is required in a small amount in the body, but its deficiency leads to weak bones. Similarly, iron is essential for a child’s body. And its deficiency is very common in children causing blood deficiency (or anemia) in them.
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How to choose food for the baby?
Now we know that both macro and micro, nutrients are crucial for body growth and development especially in the early years. Following is the list of foods that you must give to your children (from two years and above) for making a healthy eating pattern:
- Protein foods including lean protein. For example, beans, meat, and nuts
- Dairy products with less amount of fat
- Whole grains
- Colorful meals including fruits and vegetables
- Oils
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Such foods must be selected which can fulfill all these requirements. Additionally, those foods should be avoided which contain unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium. For example, carbonated drinks, bakery items, and junk food.
So, healthy eating patterns save a person from so many diseases. Having a balanced diet from an early age will save your children from the following future diseases:
- Dental caries (cavities)
- Obesity
- Iron deficiency
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- Blood pressure
- Diabetes
Hence, it is advisable to have healthy food choices from the very beginning to avoid these unfortunate conditions. Sadly, people do not pay heed to the eating habits of their children. In the long run, healthy food habits decrease oxidative stress thus making the aging process easier. Children always want to have sodas, artificial sweeteners, and junk food. But parents should keep track of their eating habits and forbid them from having such foods. It is okay to have such food once in a blue moon. Parents should allow their children to eat only 20 to 30% of their entire week’s food. Hence, to fulfill this they need to make the routine meal fun and exciting. This can be done in various ways and mommies know how to do that magic!
Do not ignore the labels!
It is a common practice that people do not pay heed to the food labels, but this isn’t a good practice indeed. It falls in the category of ignorance as food labels are of much importance. Through the help of food labels, you can find out whether this food is fulfilling the baby’s food needs or not. Following things must be read carefully on the food labels:
- Serving per container
- Serving size
- Calories per serving
- Calories per gram
- Macronutrients: number of calories in each of the macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrate)
- Micronutrients: number of calories in each of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)
Parents must take care of the food labels as this will help them calculate the total amount they should give to their little ones.
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Never ignore the expiry date!
This point seems extra, but it is not! Little ignorance can become too much worse when it comes to food. We have seen many incidents in which expired foods have caused many illnesses and serious health conditions, especially in children because their immune system is so weak. To avoid a big mess, you just have to check whether the food is expired or near to expiration. Never miss this out!
