| Diet in Infancy |
|
Infancy
is a period of rapid growth. During the first year of life, the infant
grows and develops far more rapidly than at any other time in life. This
is evident from the fact that the totally helpless newly born child who
is completely dependent on the mother or the caretaker, develops a fair
degree of physical and mental abilities by the first birthday. The child
develops the ability of speech and is able to express himself. He attains a fairly good motion development and starts walking and holding
objects. By this time he also develops a strong emotional and
psychological relationship with his near and dear ones.
DIET AND FEEDING
PATTERN
 |
To meet the high
nutritional requirements of an infant, good nutrition throughout infancy
is very important. The first food for the infant is mothers milk. It is
nature's gift for the child and is the best suited for the infant's
growth and development. Fortunately even a poorly nourished mother is
able to nurse her child satisfactorily at least during the first few
months of life. |
ADVANTAGES OF BREAST
FEEDING
Natural method of
feeding
Breast feeding is
a simple and a natural method of feeding which eliminates the need for
preparation of a feed and sterilization of bottles. It is very
convenient for both the mother and child as the milk is available at all
times and at right temperature with no worries about the quantity
Nutritionally tailor
made for the baby
Breast milk
provides almost all the nutrients to the infant that are adequate enough
to meet his requirements. It has adequate amount of fat which is highly
emulsified and is therefore better digested. Lactose present in breast
milk provides natural sweetness and also helps in calcium and iron
absorption. Low amount of protein in mothers milk reduces pressure on
infant's kidneys to extrete extra nitrogen. Vitamin C content is
retained as it is not destroyed by heating which happens in case of
cow's milk.
Anti-infective
properties
Breast milk is a very hygienic method of feeding as the milk goes
straight from the mother's breast to the child's mouth, reducing the
chances of contamination and infection which are plenty in case of
artificially fed infants. Breast milk contains antistaphylococcal factor
which prevents the growth of bacteria in the infants intestines The
gastric juice of breast fed infants is more acidic and this destroys any
micro-organisms that may enter the stomach.
Source of natural
immunity
The secretion from the mother's breast for the first 2 to 3 days is a
thick yellowish liquid known as colostrum. This colostrum contains
certain antibodies, which develop natural immunity in the child, thus
protecting him from various infectious diseases. Besides providing
antibodies, colostrum is also rich in certain nutrients and should never
be discarded but fed to the newborn.
Anti-allergic
properties
Cow's milk contains lactglobulin and serum bovine which may cause
allergy in some infants. As these are not present in mother's milk,
there is no danger of allergy with breast milk.
Psychological
Advantages
Breast feeding is most conducive for a healthy, happy and emotional
relationship between the mother and her newly born baby.
Do you know?
As
per documented evidence, infants grow well on exclusive breast feeding for
the first 4 to 6 months of life.
During this period, the baby does not
even need water supplements, as breast milk provides enough water even for
the hot summer months.
In
fact water supplements may be
unhygienic and also the sucking of breast by infant may be reduced thereby
diminishing the breast milk output
When
introducing new foods the following points to be kept in mind
- Only one food be introduced at a time
- Consistency of foods as per child's age i.e.,
for very young infants, liquid supplements should be given and
gradually changed from liquid to semi-solid and then to solid with
advancing age of child
- Food to be given in small quantities in the
beginning and the amount gradually increased as child develops a
liking for the food
- Never force feed a child. If the child
dislikes a particular food, remove it from his/her diet and
reintroduce it at a later age. If the disliking persists then think of
a substitute for it.
- Don't give spicy foods and also avoid fried
ones
- Include variety to make food more
appealing
- As child grows older, attract his/her
attention by giving consideration to colour, flavour, texture and
shape of food
- To inculcate good eating habits in a
child, parents should not show personal prejudices and dislike
towards any foods
- It is not always necessary to cook separately
for the child, as the family meals can be easily modified in
consistency, spicing, etc., for the amount needed for to feed the
child
Now is the time to get a Healthy, Well balanced & Nutritious Diet tailored for your infant's overall developments and
good health viz the brain, height, eyesight etc., by renowned Indian Nutritionist Ms Shubi Husain 
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