DIETS
Babies and children
Babies and children
During the first years of life, nutrition is critical for
healthy development. Infants’ diets must provide the
right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrate, along
with vitamins and minerals including calcium and
vitamin D for bones and vitamin A for developing eyes.
Liquid diet
Breast milk has the right
balance of nutrients for
newborns, helps boost their
immune system, and establishes
their gut bacteria (see p.25).
Formula is usually made from
cow’s milk, but has higher whey
content and less casein protein
to make it more similar to
breast milk and easier to digest.
First solids
Babies often dislike a food the first
time they taste it, so it is good to
introduce new foods one at a time,
repeating each one even if they react
negatively. Offering food that is
easy to hold helps babies learn
to feed themselves.
Changing gut microbes
By the end of their first year, the
types of bacteria in the baby’s
gut begin to look more like
those in an adult’s. Before this
time, they vary dramatically
between infants, depending on
the bacteria their environment
has exposed them to.
Babies raised vegan or on other
restricted diets must be carefully
monitored to ensure they get all
the essential nutrients. Even getting
enough calories can be difficult
because vegan or vegetarian diets
have lower energy densities than
diets that include meat and fish.
Plenty of protein sources must be
included, along with adequate
vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin D.
Supplements may be necessary.
DIETS MUST BE BROAD
B
I
R
T
H
—
6
M
O
N
T
H
S
6
—
9
M
O
N
T
H
S
9
—
1
2
M
O
N
T
H
S
Babies
For the first 6 months, babies get almost
everything they need from breast milk or
formula, although breast-fed babies may need
extra vitamin D. After this, some of the milk
should gradually be replaced with solid food.
Puréed fruit and vegetables are good
starting points, followed by chicken
and other protein sources.
Cup of water offered
at meal times
Pureed food
introduced
Breast milk or
formula still the
major part of the diet
Meat, fish, and
dairy should
now form part
of the diet
Mother produces
colostrum for a few
days after giving birth,
then breast milk
Milk and dairy foods
Other foods
KEY
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DIETS
Babies and children
223
Milk alternatives
From 1 year old, the baby’s intestines
are able to digest the higher casein
content of whole cow’s milk. Fortified
alternatives such as soy milk can be
used instead, but growth should be
monitored because they contain
fewer calories than whole cow’s milk.
Growing needs
A healthy diet for a 2–to-5-year-old should
include three to four servings of starchy foods,
the same of fruit and veg, and two servings of
protein. Skim milk or other dairy products (such
as yogurt and cheese) can replace the whole
milk. These are a good source of protein and
calcium, needed for growing bones.
Grown-up foods
By 5 years, children’s diets
are, ideally, varied and
similar to an adult’s. Salt
should not be added
because of the potential
harmful effect on kidneys.
Low-fat or skim milk is
now fine, since children
will get enough calories
from food.
1
—
2
Y
E
A
R
S
2
—
5
Y
E
A
R
S
5
+
Y
E
A
R
S
With childhood obesity rising,
portion sizes are important. For
a child under 3–4, a portion might
be one slice of toast,
1
/2oz (15g) of
oats, half an apple, or one egg, but
this depends on activity levels.
PORTION SIZES
Young children
As the proportion of calories
from milk is reduced,
young children tend to be
encouraged to try lots of
different foods. But their diets
should differ from adults’ in
some ways. Too much fiber,
for example, can fill small
stomachs quickly, preventing
children from eating enough
calories. Protein (including
dairy) is important.
RICE MILK SHOULD NOT
BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN
UNDER 5 AS THE ARSENIC
LEVELS ARE TOO HIGH
Breakfast cereal
is a good way to
combine grains
and dairy in a meal
Fruit juice can
be given with
a meal, once
a day
Diet continues to
include protein,
such as chicken
Infant can start
drinking whole
cow’s milk
Starchy food, such as
butternut squash and
grains should now be
a part of meals
Low-fat (1 percent)
milk can be introduced
to replace skim milk
DO CHILDREN
NEED SUPPLEMENTS?
Babies and young children
often can’t get all the vitamins
they need from milk and food.
Vitamins A, C, and D are
usually recommended for
children from 6 months
to 5 years.
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DIETS
Babies and children
223
Milk alternatives
From 1 year old, the baby’s intestines
are able to digest the higher casein
content of whole cow’s milk. Fortified
alternatives such as soy milk can be
used instead, but growth should be
monitored because they contain
fewer calories than whole cow’s milk.
Growing needs
A healthy diet for a 2–to-5-year-old should
include three to four servings of starchy foods,
the same of fruit and veg, and two servings of
protein. Skim milk or other dairy products (such
as yogurt and cheese) can replace the whole
milk. These are a good source of protein and
calcium, needed for growing bones.
Grown-up foods
By 5 years, children’s diets
are, ideally, varied and
similar to an adult’s. Salt
should not be added
because of the potential
harmful effect on kidneys.
Low-fat or skim milk is
now fine, since children
will get enough calories
from food.
1
—
2
Y
E
A
R
S
2
—
5
Y
E
A
R
S
5
+
Y
E
A
R
S
With childhood obesity rising,
portion sizes are important. For
a child under 3–4, a portion might
be one slice of toast,
1
/2oz (15g) of
oats, half an apple, or one egg, but
this depends on activity levels.
PORTION SIZES
Young children
As the proportion of calories
from milk is reduced,
young children tend to be
encouraged to try lots of
different foods. But their diets
should differ from adults’ in
some ways. Too much fiber,
for example, can fill small
stomachs quickly, preventing
children from eating enough
calories. Protein (including
dairy) is important.
RICE MILK SHOULD NOT
BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN
UNDER 5 AS THE ARSENIC
LEVELS ARE TOO HIGH
Breakfast cereal
is a good way to
combine grains
and dairy in a meal
Fruit juice can
be given with
a meal, once
a day
Diet continues to
include protein,
such as chicken
Infant can start
drinking whole
cow’s milk
Starchy food, such as
butternut squash and
grains should now be
a part of meals
Low-fat (1 percent)
milk can be introduced
to replace skim milk
DO CHILDREN
NEED SUPPLEMENTS?
Babies and young children
often can’t get all the vitamins
they need from milk and food.
Vitamins A, C, and D are
usually recommended for
children from 6 months
to 5 years.
US_222-223_Babies_Children.indd 223 18/01/2017 11:14
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