Healthy Eating/ Nutritional Requirements

Question 1

Newborns/ Infants (0-6 months)

Answer 1

‘First 1000 Days’

Significant benefits for exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months (see other notes)

Question 2

Infants/ Toddler (6 months- 5 years)

Answer 2

At 6-9 months the child will start teething and will have learnt how to sit up by themselves-clear indications that the child is ready to eat solids

Weaning- A learning process. Will only learn to accept new tastes and textures if exposed to them (Northstone et al)
+ Improves hand-eye co-ordination
+ Chance for self expression and independence
- Concerns about nutritional adequacy
- increased risk of choking

• Those not introduced to solids by 9mths old are more likely to be fussy eaters by age 3.
• UK infant feeding survey (2010) - 30% were introduced to solids by 4 months

Question 3

Children

Answer 3

Older children have similar nutritional requirements as adults. A guideline commonly used is the ‘Eatwell Plate’

• 33% of fruit & Veg or 5 a-day (1 portion= fist full) now suggested 7-10 portions a day
• 33% Carbohydrates
• 15% Dairy products