This week, the USDA unveiled their updated dietary guidelines for Americans, featuring an entirely new section focused on infant and toddler eating patterns.
Guidelines recommend breastfeeding exclusively for at least the first six months after giving birth and starting regular vitamin D supplements soon afterwards.
Families that can’t provide breast milk as an option should instead rely on iron-fortified formula; otherwise they should refrain from offering water or beverages to their babies for six months after either milk or formula is introduced into their lives.
Your toddler probably won’t like hearing this: guidelines recommend no added sugars for children aged 2 or younger – meaning no cake or cookies!
Guidelines indicate that infants and young children do not require added sugars in their diet, due to limited eating at this stage of development. Since children don’t eat much at this age, making sure what little food they do consume is healthy is crucial.
Babies should begin solids when they reach six months, gradually introducing potentially allergenic foods, like peanut butter. These should also be introduced alongside other nutritious options.
“Introducing peanut-containing foods within the first year may reduce the risk of an infant developing an allergy to peanuts,” according to guidelines.
The document offers advice that extends far beyond infant and toddler health; there are advice for every stage of life included within.
Pregnant women should consume 8-12 ounces of seafood weekly if pregnant, such as salmon or tilapia with low mercury levels.
Pregnant women should refrain from drinking alcohol during gestation; moderate caffeine amounts are permissible.
Men should limit themselves to no more than two alcoholic drinks daily while women are advised to consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day.
Many of the recommendations may come as no surprise: adults are advised to consume smaller portions, limit sweets and sodium intake, and incorporate fruits and veggies into daily lifestyle routines as part of an effective eating strategy for longer life in future years. Making small adjustments now could result in longer lives fuller of vitality!
Dietary guidelines for young children are regularly revised by the Agriculture Department and Department of Health and Human Services. Let’s face it…it can be challenging keeping your toddler away from any additional sugar until he or she turns two years old!
Wherever possible, try cutting back on cookies, candy and sweet treats – every little bit will help!