Importance of Nutrition in infacy and toddlerhood period - Essay Example

The growth of a child is greatly affected by the nutrition that they are provided during the early years of their life. Nutrition is not only essential for the outward growth of an individual but it is also important for the proper formation and functioning of the nervous system. In the year 2009, UNICEF presented a report highlighting the fact that children up to the age of 5 years in the countries of the world which are still developing do not attain proper development owing to improper provision of diet according to the health standards.

The report further indicated the fact that the first thousand days following the birth of the child are extremely crucial and improper nutrition can result in severe consequences by affecting the competency of the immune defenses and by altering the normal physiological and psychological development (Hutchison 2010). The best form of nutrition to an infant soon after birth is the mother’s milk. It is a form of nutrition which is beneficial for the child up till the age of 4 to 6 months. It is a self sufficient diet for the infant and no supplementation is required.

Furthermore, breastfeeding is very beneficial for the health of the infant as it leads to the provision of essential immune and enzyme factors which tend to enhance the immunity and functional capacity of the infant. Breastfeeding reduces the chances of obesity in the child in later life. Thus, it should be highly recommended and mothers should be advised to breastfeed their children up to the age of 4 to 6 months. Formula feeds are advised for people who cannot provide for breastfeeding or if the infant suffers from problems like lactose intolerance.

The formula feeds are derived from the cow’s milk with alterations made to make its composition similar to mother’s milk. Butterfat is extracted from these and vegetable oils are supplemented. The amount of protein is also reduced (Samour et al 2010). Weaning is the commencement of solid foods for the infant. This should begin by the age of 6 months at the most. It should include up to 600 ml of breast milk along with one serving of meat or fish, two servings of bread or cereals and 2 fruits or vegetables on each day from 6 moths till 9 months.

From 9 months till 12 months, everything should be doubled with the exception of breast milk. Cow’s milk is not prescribed up till the period of one year in pure form to the infant. This is because it has been seen that it increases the risk of anemia, constipation as well the risk of allergies is very high. The energy requirements increase after the age of 1 year and the toddler should be given carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the ratio of 50 %, 30% and 20 % percent respectively (Thompson et al 1998; Samour et al 2010).

The American Dietetic Association has indicated the fact that the rate of obesity amongst the children has become twice in children from the age of 2 to 5 years and has increased three times in the age groups of 6 to 11 years. The Association has highlighted the fact that this is owing to the unhealthy dietary patterns as well as sedentary lifestyle in the early years of life. The utilization of carbonated drinks and food items that lack the nutritional requirement in these age groups are the causes that result in this problem.

Healthy nutrition is of utmost importance in the early yea