Childrens Nutrition Tips From Newborn to School-Age!

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Should I breastfeed or use formula?

When do I switch to jar food? Are nuts ok for my two year old? When can I start allowing my child to eat table food? How do I get a picky eater to eat vegetables??

There is so much information out there, it's hard to keep it all straight! Here's a quick guide to help you through.

(Remember, it's always best to ask your doctor about what is right for your family. These are only general guidelines from a fellow mommy, not medical advice!!)

Childrens Nutrition Tips By Ages

PREGNANCY

Questions about pregnancy foods start the minute you find out you are pregnant! What foods should I avoid? Is it ok to have fish? Can I still have my coffee???

With so many new things going on in a new mother's life, it can become information overload! Here is a simple breakdown to help relieve some stress. Read more...

CHILDRENS NUTRITION FOR INFANTS (zero to twelve months)

The first year of a child's life can be confusing for a new mommy! Should I breastfeed and if so, for how long?Should I start with vegetables or fruits when I add jar food to my baby's diet? When is it time to move to finger foods? Read more about Infant Feeding Schedules...

CHILDRENS NUTRITION FOR TODDLERS (twelve months to two years)

Once your child has hit the first birthday milestone, things start to become easier and less expensive. No more jar food and formula to buy!

You can now offer WHOLE milk in a sippy cup to your child instead of formula or breastmilk (or if you wish, you can continue to breastfeed).

Your child should be eating table foods at this point as well. Just be sure food is cut into bite-size pieces! Remember, that grapes, hot dogs, raw carrots or any other round food should be cut IN HALF long way and then cut into pieces to avoid choking. Peas, corn and beans should be smashed before eating as well.

Here's a few other things to remember:

1. Peanut and Nut Products:

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology recommends that children wait until three years of age before eating peanut or other nut products in order to reduce the risk of peanut allergies.

*Look on labels to be sure trace amounts of nuts are not in a product. You would be surprised how many products have trace amounts or where manufactured in plants with nut products!

2. Raw Honey should never be given to any child under the age of one year.

3. Eggs:

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology recommends waiting until three years of age before introducing eggs. However, some doctors allow egg yolks at 9 months and egg whites at 12 months. Talk to your doctor about this.

4. Strawberries:

Some doctors recommend delaying strawberries until a child is a year and half old. Talk to your doctor to see what he or she recommends.

5. Fish and Shellfish:

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology recommends waiting until a child is three years old before introducing fish and shellfish. Again, talk to your doctor to see what is right for your family.

CHILDRENS NUTRITION FOR PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL-AGE

One of the best ways to get a child to eat a healthy diet is to eat one yourself! Seeing mom and dad eat fruits and vegetables is the best way to get a child to do it as well.

So, don't be a "Do What I Say and Not What I Do" parent. Fruits and vegetables are good for all of us!

A few other quick tips:

1. Give small portions of a new food to your child so that they don't feel overwhelmed. He or she will feel more in control if they get to ask for more.

2. Don't ask a child what they want to eat. Offer a variety of foods and include at least one item you know your child likes. That way they can make choices and feel better about the situation. It will make for a happier mealtime for everyone (especially mommy!!)

When in doubt, be patient. Keep offering healthy food choices and your child will eventually learn to love healthy foods!

Want more childrens nutrition tips? Visit the Mommy Blog!