It has been proven that breastfeeding provides children with the nutrients they need, as well as the antibodies required during the first months of life.
That’s why the most recommended practice for child health and nutrition is to breastfeed until 6 months of age. After that, you should begin incorporating complementary foods into their diet.
Feeders
To introduce them to solid foods without worrying about the risk of choking, you can use pacifier feeders. These clever accessories allow you to place food inside, and the baby will suck out the nutrients. They also start getting used to flavors other than breast milk or formula, gradually adapting to new foods. With feeders, there is zero risk of choking or suffocation, making them a safe way to introduce fruits, for example.
Another benefit of feeders is that they help reduce milk intake, making weaning less traumatic (some babies find it easier to stop breastfeeding than others).
It’s important to quickly understand that gagging and choking are not the same. Everyone gags — and babies even more so, as they’re still learning. Gagging is just a brief blockage on the way to the stomach. That’s why a good method to get them used to solids is to introduce manageable portions early on (between 4 and 6 months). This way, solids won’t be a challenge later. On the other hand, choking happens when food blocks the airways — which is serious, as it can lead to suffocation.
Breakfast in childhood
A good breakfast is essential during the growth stage, as it helps children have a balanced diet and supports concentration, learning, and mood.
Not eating breakfast, or doing so poorly, can cause various issues that affect learning, potentially leading to a significant drop in academic performance. This is because a lack of breakfast directly impacts memory, speech, fluency, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
However, the problems go beyond mental aspects and affect physical health. Children who skip breakfast may have issues with overweight, obesity, or stunted growth.
Speaking of obesity
According to the World Health Organization, obesity is the abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat in the body that can be harmful to health. It occurs when, over a prolonged period, more calories are consumed than are burned. This excess energy is stored as fat, causing weight gain.
To prevent this disease and other disorders like anorexia and bulimia, it’s crucial to teach children to eat with the family and offer them a varied and balanced diet from an early age.
It’s proven that watching TV while eating leads to more food consumption because the brain doesn’t register fullness due to distraction.
It’s also ideal for children to supplement their school activities with sports routines and outdoor play, keeping them away from the sedentary lifestyle caused by spending hours in front of a TV, computer, or video games.
Obesity has serious health consequences, including joint problems, breathing difficulties, skin disorders, low self-esteem, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, strokes, and heart attacks; diabetes; and altered blood fat levels, resulting in high cholesterol and triglycerides. An obese child may feel excluded for not being physically equal to their peers, which can lead to anxiety, behavioral issues, and learning difficulties. Notably, early-onset obesity increases the likelihood of remaining obese in adulthood and developing chronic diseases at younger ages.
Foods to boost the immune system
1. Vegetables and fruits
Besides citrus fruits, foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, strawberries, kiwi, and raspberries are rich in vitamin C.
It’s also recommended to include vegetables and fruits high in carotenoids such as spinach, carrots, tomatoes, red peppers, and peaches. These are ideal foods for raising healthy children.
2. Meats and seafood
Healthy fats are essential for your children’s development, especially their brain. Make sure they get unsaturated fats or moderate intake of saturated fats. Fish, seafood, eggs, lean meats, and avocados are all beneficial to their diet.
3. Grains and nuts
Due to their vitamin B and E content, grains like oats and wheat are excellent. Start with porridge and later introduce them as hot cereals or with milk, ideally sweetened with honey.
Another option is to offer nuts like pistachios, almonds, or walnuts. Kids love them, and they’re a good source of fiber, vitamins, and proteins. You can serve them with yogurt or in cookies and cakes.
4. Legumes and mushrooms
Legumes such as lentils, black beans, or kidney beans are rich in folic acid, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6. They’re proven sources of iron and help activate red blood cell production.
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