Transcription Peculiarities of infant feeding
One of the most important tasks facing parents and those responsible for children in kindergartens, nursery schools and other centers, is the feeding of the little ones, as it is one of the basic pillars to avoid the appearance of health disorders associated with food and prevent the onset of chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, osteoporosis and diabetes, among others.
Childhood is the best time for the formation of correct eating habits. The habits assimilated between the ages of 3 and 6 years, last throughout life, so that at home, daycare or school lunchroom, parents, caregivers, teachers or tutors, should lead by example, so that children, who are great imitators, acquire and maintain appropriate patterns, allowing them to grow and develop, without the risk of acquiring bad habits that harm their current or future health.
Although there is interest in feeding children, relatives or students in a healthy way, it can be a complex task for some, due to the lack of material resources, social environment, religious beliefs and ignorance of aspects related to food and nutrition of the little ones, so the search for safe information on the subject, could facilitate the planning of menus and dishes appropriate to the nutritional requirements of the first years of life.
Objectives of infant feeding:
- To favor with an adequate feeding, the growth and maturation of the different organs and systems during childhood.
- To avoid nutrient deficiencies, especially micronutrients, present in foods traditionally considered less attractive, such as vegetables, fresh fruits and fish.
- Establish healthy eating habits that prevent the onset of health disorders such as anorexia and obesity.
- Prevent the onset of nutritionally based diseases, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis, which affect quality of life and life expectancy.
Peculiarities of child development that influence feeding during the different stages of childhood
First year of life: During the first year of life there is an accelerated growth and maturation of organs and systems, accompanied by the development of motor skills; elements that condition the high nutrient requirements, and the increase of the negative consequences that their deficiencies cause in the short, medium and long term in the organism.
Correct nutrition during this period is associated with the prevention of certain health disorders that may appear in other periods of life, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. During the first year of life, two feeding periods can be distinguished
Exclusive breastfeeding period: During this period, breast milk is recommended as the exclusive food. Breastfeeding should begin early, in order to promote milk production and strengthen the mother-child bond.
From birth to four months of life, the baby will be fed with a frequency between two and a half and four hours, in a variable manner, and this rhythm should be respected, avoiding the establishment of rigid feeding schedules.
Up to four months of age, they show a vigorous sucking reflex during feedings, which they maintain until they feel satisfied, so you should not insist that they continue to drink after the signal of satiety has appeared.
Also up to the fourth month of life, there is a reflex by which solid foods that are attempted to be given to infants are pushed out by the tongue.
Transition period: During this period, the progressive introduction of other foods is recommended, maintaining breastfeeding or artificial feeding. It should begin around six months of life, when the child develops appetite and begins to show preferences and aversions, often defined at the end of the first year of life. Sometimes the pediatrician recommends starting this stage a little earlier, always after four months of life.
The transition stage should be extended until the age of one year, to facilitate the individual introduction of each food, taking into account the development and maturation of the organs and systems involved in the feeding and nutrition processes.
Between one year and three years of age: This stage begins when the child practically eats everything and continues to perfect the process of chewing, so they are progressively reducing crushed foods and the diet is becoming much more varied. The interest in eating alone, trying different foods, and gaining some autonomy is awakened.
From 15 months onwards, certain reductions in appetite can be observed, coinciding with the beginning of a period of slower growth, which extends during the preschool period.
The process of socialization with the people around them begins, which is transcendental for the education of their eating habits. At this stage, the child is able to copy from the type and quantity of food preferred by his parents, tutors, caregivers or kindergarten companions, to the attitude and relationships established during meals.
Between one year and three years of age is an ideal stage to begin to educate habits for healthy eating. The most important are the following:
- Diversification of food tastes.
- Establishment of schedules for each meal.
- Respect the sensation of hunger and satiety of the child, always trying to educate the consumption of moderate amounts.
- Always use the dining room or a suitable place to eat.
- Set the table and gather family members or companions in a pleasant atmosphere.
- Have adequate time to enjoy food and company.
Between three and twelve years of age: This period is characterized by a continued progressive development both physically and intellectually, influenced mainly by family, school, groups of friends and the media.
There is a considerable increase in the child's learning capacity, so it is the ideal stage to teach and reinforce healthy eating habits. For this purpose, it is recommended that at least one of the main meals per day be eaten with the family.
Children are able to recognize their preferences for certain foods, so it is necessary to seek appropriate strategies to get their interest in other less attractive, through the diversification of modes of preparation, or other ways, always respecting their tastes and decisions.
Objectives of the school canteen in infant feeding during this stage:
- To provide a meal adequate to the nutritional requirements of children.
- Encourage the practice of eating habits and sanitary hygiene.
- Promote social relationships and coexistence among children during meals.
- Encourage the practice and proper use of dining room utensils.
- Contribute to food diversity, since in the selection of menus, individual preferences are not taken into account.
Aspects that can change the success of children's feeding
Eating habits: During childhood, unlike other periods of life, food is subject to frequent changes, to adapt it to each of the stages of development of the organism of the little ones.
Among the most important changes we can mention the following:
- Changes in the number of foods: it is recommended to maintain exclusive breastfeeding until the first six months. After this date, progressively include different foods in the diet, maintaining breastfeeding or artificial feeding. Each new food should be offered on its own, without combining it with other new foods, and should be offered daily for one week, in order to discover possible allergic reactions.
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