INFANT / CHILD NUTRITION
Why Nutrition matters
Supports brain development in early years.
Strengthens immunity against common infections.
Prevents lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension later in life.
Builds strong bones, teeth, and muscles.
Promotes mental well-being and focus during school and exams.
What parents can do
Maintain a meal schedule and avoid excessive snacking.
Involve children in meal planning and cooking to build healthy habits.
Encourage family meals for better bonding and mindful eating.
Regularly monitor growth charts with a pediatrician.
Infant & Child Nutrition
Infants (0–1 year)
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months.
Introduce complementary foods at 6 months while continuing breastfeeding.
Focus on iron-rich foods (mashed lentils, fortified cereals, pureed vegetables).
Avoid salt, sugar, and honey in the first year.
🧒 Toddlers & Preschoolers (1–5 years)
Provide balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and dairy.
Ensure adequate protein for growth (milk, eggs, dals, lean meats).
Encourage self-feeding to develop healthy eating habits.
Limit processed foods, fried snacks, and sugary drinks.
👦 School-age Children (6–12 years)
Nutrition should support learning, immunity, and physical activity.
A healthy lunchbox should include whole grains + protein + fruits/veggies.
Monitor portion sizes to prevent obesity.
Encourage water intake instead of soft drinks or packaged juices.
👩🦱 Adolescents (13–19 years)
Rapid growth during puberty requires extra calories, protein, calcium, and iron.
Girls need iron-rich foods to prevent anemia (green leafy vegetables, jaggery, beans, fish).
Boys need protein-rich foods for muscle development.
Counsel on balanced diet, body image issues, and avoiding fad diets.
Limit caffeine, junk food, and late-night snacking.