Dr. Sutton stated that parents need to look at the quality of food intake in their little ones as well as quantity. If your child doesn't eat much then you need to make sure what they are eating is adding the vitamins and nutrients needed, including protein and micro-nutrients.
He pointed out some interesting facts:
:
- The brain doubles in size during the first year.
- The brain triples in size during the first two years.
- Better nutrition early increases communication skills at a later age (tests conducted when children were 10 years old).
- Dietary intake habits are established by age 3.
- Giving babies soda results in lower cognitive scores later.
Ideas to encourage healthy eating:
- Make mealtime fun
- Have the child help with the preparation of the food
- Sit with the family for mealtime, but limit mealtime to 20 - 30 minutes
- Avoid distractions (TV, toys)
- Try all kinds of foods
- Provide appropriate mealtimes and fasting times (3 hours between meals so kids will feel hungry)
- Tolerate age appropriate messes
- Maintain a neutral attitude during meals
If you have other concerns or questions regarding food and your little one, ask your service provider for more ideas. Happy Eating!
