As a new parent, the list of questions concerning the health and wellbeing of the infant is never ending. A topic that tops the list of questions is nutrition and food for the infant. To answer some of these important queries, Mapabear connected with Sanchita Daswani, a certified paediatric nutrition consultant and mom of twins, who is passionate about helping parents make informed decisions about their baby's nutrition.
Join us as we pick Sanchita’s brain for nutrition tips to introduce solids and support healthy growth and development, especially in the first few months of the infant’s life.
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Why is nutrition crucial in the first 1000 days, or 2 years of a baby’s life?
Since conception, the following 2 years are of utmost importance for your child’s development for mainly two reasons, according to Sanchita.
"The first 1,000 days is where a big portion of growth happens, and babies need the right nutrition to support it”, says Sanchita.
In year one of their life, your baby’s weight triples, their cells grow rapidly and organs develop quickly, making it crucial for the baby to have the right nutrition to support and enable the growth.
Sanchita also notes that recent studies have linked chronic illnesses to nutrition in early childhood, highlighting the importance of a healthy diet in the first few years of life. “Hence, offering balanced meals and right food can help prevent these future diseases from coming into play”, suggests Sanchita.
When and how to introduce solid foods?
Introduction of solids is a very important milestone for a baby’s growth, and also a matter of anxiety and confusion for the new parents.
“When it came to introducing solids to my babies, I remember it being a very daunting experience. With so much information out there, it was hard to navigate what would work best for my babies based on our diet and lifestyle. This experience paved the way for me to expand my knowledge and become a Certified Nutrition Consultant”, says Sanchita.
According to the expert, the correct time to introduce solids is around 6 months of age, when they show the following signs of readiness -
They are able to sit up by themselves with minimal support
Start showing interest in food
Have a good control on their head and neck
Have good hand-eye-mouth coordination
"When introducing solids, start with single-ingredient purees, and gradually introduce new foods one at a time. Seasonal fruits and vegetables that have different tastes and textures as well as iron rich foods like lentils and meats are best recommended when starting solids," Sanchita advises.
Texture progression is also a key factor, post the introduction of solids. While it is okay to start with smooth purees when starting solids, it is important to not stick to that texture for too long.
“The baby needs to be slowly challenged so that they can learn to chew and digest their food properly. Which is why finger foods are really important as well,” suggests Sanchita.
Digestion starts at the mouth, therefore the right enzymes do not get activated if the food is not chewed properly. It also helps them have a good relationship with food to see food in its real form.
Which nutrients are essential for a baby and how to add them to their diet?
The quality of your infant's diet is determinant for their growth and development. Additional to macro nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and fats, some nutrients that are essential to support the growth if the baby include -
Calcium - for development and growth and bones
Iron - for effective functioning of the body
Vitamin D - for nerve function, brain growth and rest
Which nutrient deficiencies are common in children and how to avoid them?
It is important to be mindful of some common nutrient deficiencies as most children are deficient of Vitamin D, as this is mainly found in fish.
Sanchita warns, “If your child is vegetarian and is not exposed much to the sun, it is most likely they will be low on Vitamin D. Especi
ally if you are breastfeeding your baby, it is mandatory to offer a vitamin D supplement.”
Iron is also a common deficiency as from 6 months, the infants need to get it from food or milk. It is important to monitor iron deficiency with your doctor as Breast Milk is generally low on iron and the iron content in Formula is not adequate.
"Be wary of Vitamin D and iron deficiencies that are common among infants. It is best to consult with your pediatrician if your baby's nutrition concerns you.", says Sanchita
Making informed decisions as a new parent can often be daunting and overwhelming. However, having the correct guidance and being informed in advance, especially for the first 1000 days can lay the foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being for your baby.
If you're a new mom or expecting, what are your top questions about toddler nutrition that you'd like answered? Share them with us, and we'll do our best to provide you with expert advice and guidance in our future posts!
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