Healthy From the Start

Feeding is how we help our children grow healthy and strong and it’s one of a parent’s most important jobs.  Here are some ideas from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help your child become a healthy eater: 

·         Meals are a time to connect with your child and support her overall development. Talk with your child during meals and don’t let her eat alone. You can help build strong family relationships by remembering that meals are more than food.

·         Create routines around mealtime. Routines make children feel loved and secure and they help children look forward to each meal. Establish regular meal and snack times beginning when your child is 9 -12 months old.

·         Offer 3 to 4 healthy food choices that your child likes at each meal. Research shows that children will choose a healthy diet when they are offered a selection of different healthy foods.

·         Don’t give up on new foods. You may have to offer your child a new food 10 to 15 times before he will eat it. Patience is the key!

·         Healthy eating and exercise go together. Make active play a part of everyday family life.

·         If you are concerned about your child’s weight or activity level, talk to your child’s pediatrician.

To learn more, visit www.zerotothree.org.