Healthy Eating for Young Children

Baby’s nutritional need is the first priority for the parents. But finding the right food for kid nutrients is a little bit hard though it’s easy to get the information. That’s because different foods contain different amounts of different nutrients and it’s hard to maintain the baby’s daily need accurately. Parents usually want to maintain but sometimes they can’t. Here, we have discussed healthy eating for young children from the beginning because the eating habit of early age can influence later.

Milk:

For the first six months, all the foods are forbidden for an infant but breastfeeding. In this age, a baby receives all the required nutrients from the breastfeeding. Even, cow’s milk is not allowed to baby. Cow’s milk is allowed to baby at 12 months age. Breastfeeding provides all the six principals of food to the baby- Protein, Carbohydrate, Mineral, Vitamin, Fat and Water. Along with these principals, it provides essential preventive elements to keep the baby safe.

Protein:

For proper growth, healthy bones and brain development, protein is needed. Children get 9 amino acids out of the essential 20 amino acids from the protein. Proteins are of two kids- First class protein and Second class protein. First class protein can be gained from Animal protein such as Fish, Eggs, Meat, Milk, Cheese or Yogurt. These types of foods contain all 9 essential amino acids. Plant protein can be got from fruits of vegetables. Bean and pulse are great sources of protein but these don’t have full essential amino acids. So, it required being combined with other foods. Remember, when you get frozen or canned food, it can cause higher salt.

Carbohydrate:

Carbohydrate is needed in each meal till the age of 13. Carbohydrate provides energy to the body and it’s essential for the body growth. However, fibre and wholegrain are great sources of carbohydrates as well as they compromise the appetite system of the children. Fibre also contains minerals especially iron and calcium that are needed for healthy bones and teeth. Rice, Grain, Cereal, Potato, Nuts, Seeds are great sources of carbohydrates. Nuts and Seeds also contain fibre and healthy fats. But it’s better ides not to give it to your children until they turn into 5 years. That’s because there is a risk of choking.

Vegetable:

Vegetables are other great sources of nutrients. Colored vegetables are rich in minerals too. All the vegetables are not suitable for children. There are some efficient vegetables for children such as Pumpkin, Potato, Carrot, Pea, Cucumber, Cabbage, Broccoli etc. Include vegetables to every dish to your children. Vegetables contain more essential nutrients than meat or rich foods.

Fruits:

Every child loves fruits. Fruits are great sources of all six principals especially the vitamins. All the vitamins are gained from vegetables. Only vitamin D is gained from Cod liver oil. Besides it, Vitamin A, B, C, E, K are gained from fruits. Additionally fruits provide other essential elements like calcium, magnesium, iron and so many minerals. Minerals help to build strong body structure. It is a great idea to give your kids fruits regularly. Fresh fruits are better. And remember, give your kids sour food or vitamin C based food daily because vitamin C can’t b stored in the body. You may give Orange, Lemon, Strawberry etc. And remember, if you can, then ignore fruit juice or canned fruits for children.

Though Sugar and dairy contain more energy than fruits or vegetables, ignore it for your child as fats can be harmful to babies. This is the common and universal diet for children. But if you need specific balanced diet chart for your children, then contact a nutritionist or doctor.