Children, from the time they’re born, require a lot of attention so that they can grow up to be healthy. For that, they need proper nourishment, which is something all new moms must ensure.
As a new mom, you must ensure a proper diet for your child. Only then will you be able to ensure their proper growth and development. In this article, we will explore how new moms can ensure a healthy diet for their children, setting them up for a bright and healthy future.
Breastfeeding and Early Nutrition
Breastfeeding is the ideal way to provide your baby with essential nutrients in the first six months of life. Breast milk is rich in antibodies, vitamins, and minerals, and it adapts to meet your baby’s changing nutritional needs. It also helps build a strong immune system and protects against various infections and illnesses.
Cleveland Clinic reports that breastfeeding helps lower your baby’s risk of certain diseases. It also helps develop a stronger immune system.
If, for some reason, breastfeeding is not possible, consult with a healthcare professional to choose the best formula for your baby. Introduce solid foods gradually around six months while continuing to breastfeed or provide formula as recommended.
Statista reports that over eight million Americans rely on baby formula. These formulas include both liquid and powdered forms. However, as a parent, you must be very careful when choosing a baby formula for your child.
Choosing the Right Baby Formula
Sometime last year, a few baby formula brands were linked to a fatal gastrointestinal disease called Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies. According to TorHoerman Law, popular baby formula brands Enfamil and Similac were named in this list of toxic baby formulas causing this disease. This led to the NEC lawsuit against those brands.
The NEC lawsuit payout may range from $5,000 to over $500,000. These amounts will be paid to the NEC victims to compensate for their losses, like medical expenses. The NEC lawsuit should act as a reminder for you to always be careful when choosing the right baby formula.
The right baby formula is one that has no toxic chemicals or substances present. It should also be approved by the FDA for infant or child consumption. Check for reviews and make sure there are no health risk claims against it. If you’re confused regarding which formula to opt for, don’t hesitate to ask a healthcare professional or child specialist.
Balanced Meals and Portion Control
Balancing your child’s meals is important to make sure they’re getting all the nutrition they need to grow properly. That means your meals must have a balance of various food groups and nutrients.
Your child’s diet should contain fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and even lean proteins after a certain age. You should introduce new foods to them gradually so that you can easily identify any food allergies they might have.
Portion control is also important for a child. Since children have smaller stomachs at a young age, they need smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. As they grow older, you can gradually increase the portion sizes and their meal routines accordingly.
Limit Sugary and Processed Foods
According to the National Institutes of Health, around one in five Americans aged 2 to 19 have obesity. Children naturally have a preference for sweet and salty foods, making it essential for parents to limit their exposure to sugary and processed foods. Consuming too much sugar might lead to your child developing health issues like obesity and tooth decay.
Instead of sugary snacks, opt for healthier foods like fruits and yogurt. Likewise, limit the intake of processed foods high in trans fats, sodium, and artificial additives, which can be detrimental to your child’s health.
Stay Hydrated with Water
Hydration is essential for overall health and development, especially for children. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Avoid giving sugary drinks like soda, fruit juices, or sports drinks, as they add unnecessary calories and can contribute to tooth decay. Water should be the primary beverage, supplemented with occasional milk or 100 percent fruit juices in moderation.
Lead by Example
Children are highly influenced by their parent’s behavior. This applies to eating habits as well. Sit down and enjoy family meals together whenever possible. It fosters a sense of connection and provides an opportunity to demonstrate proper eating behaviors. Engage your child in meal planning and preparation to make them more interested in healthy food choices.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, as their mother, you must take all necessary measures to ensure that your child grows up healthy. This includes making sure that they are getting nutritious food and maintaining a healthy diet. As long as you stick to the tips we’ve discussed above, doing all this will be very easy.