Nutrition knowledge for children

Nutrition knowledge for children

During the first 6 months, the best food for a baby is "breast milk" because it contains many nutrients such as DHA that help to nourish the brain and eyes, build the immune system, and reduce the risk of allergies, as breast milk contains 3,000 times more immunity than cow's milk due to the high levels of colostrum. Breast milk also contains enzymes that help with digestion and promote growth.

Food for 6-month-old infants include liver, meat, tilapia, freshwater fish, green leafy vegetables, ground brown rice, sweet potatoes and mashed red eggs, vegetable soup, soft fruits such as ripe papaya, ripe mango, ripe banana, and fresh squeezed orange juice without seeds. Natural sweeteners should be used, and red eggs should be given at every meal. Boiled red eggs can be added to rice soup. If the mother is afraid the baby may be allergic to egg whites, start giving them when the baby is 1 year old. Introduce new foods gradually and observe which foods the baby likes and dislikes.

Food for a 7-month-old baby should focus on easily digestible ingredients, such as ground rice and soft-boiled vegetables (2-4 types mixed together). This will encourage the baby to drink water frequently, making it easier for them to have bowel movements.

For babies aged 6-9 months, some may have one or more milk teeth, which will help them chew and enjoy foods with a coarser texture. They will also begin to develop their grasping skills, such as picking up and eating food by themselves.

For babies aged 8-9 months, they can have small meals of starchy foods twice a day, such as soft rice, crackers, sweet potatoes, and a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables with different textures and flavors, such as soft-boiled carrots. They can also have soft, finely ground high-protein foods, such as boiled egg yolk, chicken liver, tofu, or fish. A suitable portion size for a meal for a baby is 5 tablespoons of rice, 2 tablespoons of animal protein, 2 tablespoons of soft vegetables, 3 small pieces of fruit, and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil.

Food for babies aged 10-12 months. Babies can eat solid foods. The food should be changed from mashed or pureed to small pieces, such as boiled macaroni, boiled rice, or finely chopped fish. They should eat three meals a day.

Nutrition for children aged 1-3 years old. This is a period when children are learning to walk and transitioning from infancy to early childhood. Children will enjoy walking around, exploring new things, and discovering new foods. The food should contain all 5 essential nutrients and be consumed 4-6 times a day (including snacks). It should focus on protein, as it contains essential amino acids for the body and provides adequate energy at 1,000 Kcal/day. Breast milk should also be included. The main sources of energy come from rice, grains, sugar, fats, and meat.

• Category: Rice and Starches - One serving per meal, emphasizing brown rice or mixed grain rice because they contain more minerals, vitamins, and fiber than regular white rice.

• Category: Meat and Protein - Recommended sources include eggs, milk, various meats such as pork, fish, and chicken, boiled soybeans or tofu. Protein helps to build and maintain muscle and promote growth. It is recommended to consume 1.4 grams per kilogram of body weight and obtain sufficient iron. Children should eat one egg and drink milk every day to prevent anemia.

• Category: Fats - In addition to providing energy, fats help to absorb certain vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. It is recommended for children to consume 3 teaspoons of good quality oil per day for optimal health.

• Category: Vegetables - Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Children should eat a variety of colorful vegetables, half a serving per meal, focusing on dark green, orange, red, and yellow vegetables to promote all-round development during growth.

• Category: Fruits - Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fresh fruits are recommended over processed fruits or fruit juices because they can sometimes contain excessive amounts of sugar. On average, children should eat three portions of fresh fruit per day.

• Category: Milk - Children should be encouraged to drink milk every day to obtain sufficient calcium for building and maintaining strong bones. Children should drink 2-3 glasses of milk per day.

Adequate food amounts for children aged 4-6 years:

• Grain group: 5 servings per day
• Vegetable group: 3 servings per day
• Fruit group: 3 servings per day
• Milk group: 2-3 glasses per day (1 glass equals 240 milliliters)
• Meat group: 4 tablespoons per day (If the child drinks less than 2-3 glasses of milk per day, the amount of meat in the diet should be slightly increased)
• Fat group: 5 teaspoons of oil per day (should be healthy fats)
• Sugar and salt should be consumed in moderation.

Parents can be flexible in organizing meals for their children. Sometimes, the child may eat more, and other times, they may eat less. Parents should not be overly stressed and should search for foods that their child enjoys. It's important to create a positive atmosphere during meals. A good diet should include Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own. These can be found in seafood and meat. Focus on consuming seafood, as healthy fats are important for brain function. Choose healthy fats for good health.

A child's good nutrition can be seen in their height, weight, and balanced growth according to growth charts. A healthy child is usually happy, active, and does not get sick often, such as with colds or stomach aches.

Giving a child too much food may cause obesity, or the child may develop a preference for sweet snacks or low-sugar fruits.