This week, the USDA released its latest dietary recommendations for Americans. It included a section on infants and toddlers’ eating habits.
It is recommended that you feed your baby only breastmilk for the first six months and start taking vitamin D supplements as soon as possible after birth.
Families should use iron-fortified infant formula if breast milk is not available. Families should avoid giving water or any other beverage to babies during the first six-months.
The next part is probably not for your toddler: the guidelines suggest that children under 2 years old should be given no sugar. This means no cookies or cake.
According to the guidelines, “infants or young children should not consume any added sugars in their diet.” Since they don’t eat a lot at this age, it is important that what food they do ingest is healthy.
After six months, babies can begin solids. Peanut butter and other potentially allergenic foods can be introduced together with other foods.
According to guidelines, “introducing peanut-containing food in the first 12 months reduces the likelihood that an infant develops a peanut allergy.”
This document offers more than just advice on infant and toddler health. The document offers advice for all stages of life.
Women who are pregnant should consume between 8-12 ounces of fish per week. Make sure to choose fish with low mercury content, such as salmon or tilapia.
Alcohol is not recommended for pregnant women. In small amounts, caffeine is acceptable.
Women should limit themselves to one drink per day. Women are advised to limit their alcohol consumption to just one.
Most of the advice is not surprising: Adults are advised to reduce their portions, eat less sugar and sodium and eat more fruits and vegetables. You need to incorporate healthy eating habits into your everyday lifestyle. A few small changes can lead to a healthier, longer life.
Every five years, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture update the dietary guidelines. It’s hard to prevent your child from consuming any sugars before they reach the age of two.
Limit your intake of cookies, sweets, and candies. It doesn’t matter how small the contribution is.