Infant food: First 1000 days of baby's life require balanced nourishment

‘Optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices: Better for Child Health’ is the theme of National Nutrition Week from September 1st to September 7th. The first 1000 days of life from conception to the 2nd birthday of the child help to shape the health of the child.

Young mother’s need to pay attention during their term of pregnancy and also after child-birth the feeding of their children to ensure that they are healthy explains consultant Nutritionist Dr Janaki B, vice president of Indian Dietetic Association of Andhra Pradesh Chapter.

World Health Organization in 2014 has found that first 1000 days of life ensure good health for the rest of life according to various studies.

Evidence shows that the brain achieves its optimum development and nurturing during this peak period of growth. It enables babies to achieve the best start in life. The baby forms, develops, grows and also attains functionality like movement, crawling, teething, speaking and also reflex action of the body mind co-ordination during these crucial time period.

How is this important period of a new life to be managed?

 1 to 9 months pregnancy:

Prepare yourself to pregnancy. Floic acid and iron are most important micro nutrients. Eat balanced diet to get minumum 60gms of protein per day along with carbohydrates and fats. Having whole grain legumes with rice, green vegetables  and curds will ensure this. End the meal with a locally available fruit completes the balancing act of eating. Having wholesome balanced food ensures enjoyable pregnancy, controls sugar levels, maintains blood pressure levels, gives optimal weight gain and prepares the body for delivery and lactation.

 0 to 6 months breast feeding:

As soon as the baby is born put it to breast. This is the first feeding practice that young mothers must start off with. It helps to build the bond between mother and child. It also starts production of milk which is the safest for the child. The first feed of clostrum which is not milk but works as a life-long protection to child is improtant. After colstrum starts the flow of milk. Feed the child only on mothers milk till six months. This is called as exclusive breast feeding.

Child will not require even a single drop of water at this stage.

  6 to 12 months solid food introduction :

During this period the child is growing day by day therefore needs more and more nutrition. First baby will be needing top milk. You can use normal 3% fat milk with 50:50 dilution with boiled water. Start with 50 ml first .Later start introducing solid foods after 6 th month. You can start with soft cooked rice with a drop of ghee. The quantity that can be given is 15ml that is one teaspoon to begin with. Later slowly increase the quantity to babies requirement. Keep the food soft, free from grains seeds and skins.

Each time introduce one food at a time. Watch for reactions if any like rashes on cheeks or chest , loose stools or crying or bloated stomach. If you see any of these symptoms, stop the food for couple of days and then reintroduce .

 12 months onwards transition to family diet:

During this stage of a child’s life they are teething and require foods to chew. Introduce them to the family plate. Start with a few solid foods and encourage the child to eat.

Initially children will make a mess of the food. Never to worry over the messy plate.

It is only to make child get used to normal eating.

Encourage child to eat variety of foods.

 Eating issues :

Fussy eating is one of the biggest issue every parent faces.

 Here are few tips that can help you combat :

  Let the child eat only when she or he is hungry

  Do not bribe the child, instead involve the child in planning and making the food as much as possible. Example : letting them play with dough while making rotis.

 Always plan an alternative food if the child does not like a food

 Do not compare the child with any other child, even sibling or a parent.

Let the child understand by themselves that food is needed or them.

 Do food talk as stories.

Child feeding practices do not just involve only food, but it involves their care as well.

Keep a child friendly growth chart handy, it actually shows how the child is progressing.

Timely vaccines are crucial too.