Pediatric nutrition ensures the required growth and development in children. This involves physical and mental development, general nerve functioning, and a healthy immune system. Pediatric nutrition revolves around a nutritional nourishment-based intake for various health benefits at an early age.

Parents are great influencers for their kids, and it is necessary to understand the importance, management, and planning of your child's nutrition.

What is the purpose of pediatric nutrition?

Pediatric nutrition aims to get kids proper nutrients for their growth and brain development. Good quality foods promote optimum progress and also help to prevent obesity and some diseases of adulthood such as:

Non-communicable disease
Cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes
Reduce infections
Decrease chronic digestive disorders
Reduce morbidity and mortality due to weak immunity

It is also essential for the weight management of your child to decrease the risk of future conditions.

Symptoms of poor nutrition

If your child is facing any of the below-mentioned issues, there might be a possibility that they are not getting the required nutrients:

Anemia
Raised cholesterol level
Diabetes
Orthopedic issues
Hypertension
Inappropriate development
Weakness
Obesity or lean structure

What should be on the plate?

Infancy to young childhood is the phase that witnesses the maximum development, but it requires appropriate nutrition to facilitate the process. Infants get their nutrition from breast milk, and it is advisable to feed the baby breast milk for six months. For babies more than six months of age, a blend of the following nutrition should be included:

Vitamins
Protein
Fat
Iron
Fibre
Vitamin D
Calcium

Encourage your child to depend on healthy eating habits; however, every child has different nutritional needs, which can be planned accordingly with the help of pediatricians. Our pediatric department helps you customize nutrition and diet plans for your child.

What is the importance of pediatric nutrition?

It is important to be selective towards the diet choices of your child as it ensures growth, nourishment, and repair of the body. With planned pediatric nutrition, a child's healthy body and well-being can be achieved with a disease-free life.

Pediatric nutrition is essential for the following reasons:

A proper diet plan ensures the development of strong bones and muscles.
It maintains energy levels or keeps the child active and playful.
A blend of major and micronutrients prevents nutritional deficiency.
A balanced diet promotes healthy brain development, which sharpens concentration and learning.
It initiates a good habit of choosing healthy food over junk, restricting unhealthy choices.

How do you plan the diet for a young child?

Breastfeeding is essential for newborns. Mother's milk has superior nutritional quality with various immunological and psychological benefits. It contains the required Vitamin E, antioxidants, and antibodies crucial for a newborn's overall health.

Solid food can be introduced to infants as per requirements and acceptance. Never force-feed your child. You can consult a doctor for better planning. An adequate amount of grains, fruits, and vegetables should be included.

Children grow and develop rapidly during their early years. Fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods provide crucial calories and nutrients for child development. These are particularly hard to get at a young age. Therefore, it's essential to include a diet plan prescribed by the pediatrician in children's diets as soon as possible. Additionally, choose foods low in saturated fat such as olive oil, avocado, or other healthy fats for nutritional intake and health benefits.

What are the precautions?

Young ones are sensitive to food-borne illnesses. Always double-check the cleanliness and hygiene of food. Adequate water intake should be maintained for overall health.

Consult a pediatrician if you observe changes in your child's eating, physical or emotional habits. Obesity or significant weight loss, and stool disturbances may indicate any issues regarding food intake.

Conclusion

Infants and young children leave their parents astonished at the speed they grow. It is crucial to look after your child's diet plan to ensure enough nutrition intake and a balanced healthy diet. Consult your child's pediatrician in case of any confusion or conditions.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Amritsar - Abadi Court Road. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

1. My child is two years old but does not eat vegetables. How to compensate for the nutrients he is missing?

Don't force-feed your child. You can patiently teach him the importance of vegetables and their results. You can also use vegetables in his food or try to make it more interesting.

2. My child is three years old and lacks bone growth. What should I do?

Height is a genetic factor, too; however, you can include calcium in his diet. You can consult a pediatrician to get the required supplements if required.

3. How to recognize anemia in young children?

Pale skin, less activity, cold hands or feet, poor appetite, and constant tiredness are common symptoms of anaemia in young children.