|
When a child turns one, it is a fun time to feed the infant. Suddenly, you will discover that all the restrictions that applied before are lifted. Not only the child, but the person feeding the child will also begin to enjoy experimenting with various kinds of foods. The first change that occurs is that you can begin giving the child whole milk as opposed to formula or breast milk. It is avoidable to give children below the age of five reduced fat or skimmed milk, as they need a lot of calories at this stage of their lives. Most children are just learning to toddle and this requires a considerable amount of energy, especially considering that they are constantly falling and picking themselves off the floor. You can give children at this stage food that is rich in fats as they will require the energy. Avoid giving processed foods such as cakes, pastries and sweets. Also avoid feeding the child any kind of junk food. It is pointless to inculcate the habit of eating chips, cookies, drinking sodas and so on in children so young. Not only does it spoil their eating habits, it is also harmful for their health to a large degree.
Make sure the child is getting enough simple carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes and vegetables. It is also essential to ensure that the child is getting protein, since muscles are developing at this point. Lots of cheese, yogurts, and soy products can be generously dispensed. It is also perfectly all right to give a child healthy quantities of butter and full fat cheeses. Meats given to children also need not be lean. You can also treat them with fried chicken and other such surprises. Remember, if you make the process of eating fun, both you and the child will not have to suffer. In addition to all of this, make sure that the child in consuming enough quantities of fiber to aid in healthy digestion. Fruits such as peaches, pears, apples, bananas, mangoes and plums will especially aid in this. You should also add raw vegetables to their diet to ensure they get enough minerals and vitamins.
Do keep in mind that at this age, children have a tendency to "graze", rather than sit down and eat proper meals. Do not worry that this will be a bad habit. It's a matter of time and understanding before they grasp that they should eat at proper times and in proper quantities. Meanwhile, encourage eating every three hours or so.
|
