Sometimes, parenting can become an overwhelming job, especially when your child gets sick frequently. However the reasons behind frequent sickness can be many, but the main reason is often a lack of nutrition. As a parent, it is your responsibility not to overlook the nutritional aspect.
The nutritional requirements of a child are not the same as those of an adult, as their bodies are required to grow and change rapidly. Therefore, they need a different dietary amount. Taking the proper nutrition not only helps a child grow or develop physically, but it also fuels their brain function. Otherwise, your child will likely develop issues later in life, such as obesity. According to experts, the nutritional needs of a kid are:
- For infants aged 0 to 12 months, breast milk or formula milk serves as the primary source of nutrition. It fulfills the requirements of iron and vitamin D to enhance the immune system and promote proper growth. It is recommended that you avoid giving sugar, salt, or cow’s milk during the first year.
- For toddlers aged between 1 and 3 years, breastfeeding can be continued. However, a variety of fruits and vegetables should be introduced into the diet. However, processed foods should be avoided.
- For preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years, nutritionally dense foods like beans, nut butter, eggs, and leafy greens should be introduced to help complete any nutritional deficiencies.
- For school children aged between 6 and 12 years, nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and protein become highly important. The majority of meals should consist of whole foods with minimally processed ingredients.
- For teenagers between 13 and 18 years, calories, protein n, and calcium should be provided in the proper portions to support growth and athletic activity.
How to build healthy eating habits?
Fostering the proper eating habits starts at home. It’s about creating a positive relationship with food.
Now, it is time to become the trendsetter in the home. You have to lead by example by adopting healthy eating habits. Generally, kids mirror their parents when it comes to eating behaviours. Therefore, you have to opt for the right food choices to make your kids learn the same. Try to opt for veggies or fruits instead of relying on fast food options. Fast food options might seem tempting, but your children will avoid eating processed food only if you avoid these.
Make family meals a priority so that all family members opt for healthy choices when dining together.
Do you know about the rainbow rule?
You should challenge your kids to eat the rainbow by including foods of different colours like orange, green, and yellow in their diet throughout the month or week. Kids love to accept challenges, and this is the best way to introduce them to a variety of foods that they will eventually find more appealing.
Make a schedule
If you stick to regular meal time, then it will prevent constant gaze at various tempting food items. It makes them less distracted by processed or fast foods, and they will have more focus during mealtime.
When should you consult the best pediatrician in Bahrain?
- When there is an unexpected change in the growth and development patterns of your child
- When mealtime becomes a stressful time for the entire family
- When you see the signs of nutritional deficiencies and your child is getting sick over and over again
- In the end, when there is a requirement for a personalized dietary plan
Why should you get nutritional advice from a paediatrician?
- To understand needs in a better way
Yes, you know your child needs food, vegetables, and proteins, but you don’t remember which nutrition to take more or less according to the age. Additionally, it varies from person to person. Some kids require more iron than the other, while some require more protein. This is when your best paediatrician in Bahrain, will help you to cater a nutritional plan according to the requirements of your kid.
- Get the right advice.
You will learn how to provide all the necessary nutrition to your child. The paediatrician will prepare a chart containing the foods to give according to your budget constraints that you have discussed with your paediatrician before the chart making. You can also consider other aspects of your life, such as your busy schedule or preferred timing, to ensure your child receives proper nutrition at the right time.