HEALTHY EATING TIPS
Baby

The introduction of solid foods is a very exciting stage of the First 1000 Days journey. It is a critical time to give your baby a wide variety of healthy food and textures, both essential to establish good eating habits now and into the future.

 

Tip 1 – Timing:

Introduce solid foods at about 6 months, not before 17 weeks and no later than 26 weeks.

 

Tip 2 – Variety:

Introduce a variety of food types, and be persistent – baby may need to try a food 10-15 times before they accept it.

 

Tip 3 – Iron:

Once weaning is established introduce iron rich foods such as meat, fish and eggs (well-cooked eggs can be introduced from 6 months).

 

Tip 4 – Texture:

Ensure to increase texture as baby moves through the weaning stages. Introduce soft fingers foods 

 

Toddler

 

Your toddler’s brain is highly flexible in the early years of life – just think of all that goes on in terms of language development, movement and social skills. Giving your toddler the best possible food for their brain will ensure they can maximise their full potential now and right throughout their lives.

 

Tip 1 – Iron:Include two small servings a day of iron-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and growing up milks.

 

Tip 2 – Vitamin D:Include vitamin D-rich foods in the daily diet e.g. oily fish, eggs and fortified cereals and growing up milks.

 

Tip 3 – Family:Eat as a family, and lead by example as toddlers will copy their parents. Try to include your toddler in meal preparation e.g. wash the carrots, set the table.

 

Tip 4 – Fruit & Veg:Include a variety of fruit and veg in your toddler’s daily diet (2-4 servings).

 

Your toddler’s brain is still growing and changing everyday. About half of your toddler’s energy intake goes directly to their brain – more than twice the energy an adult brain needs.

Feeding your toddler with the right foods rich in iron has a powerful impact on their brain development and future potential right throughout their lives.

 

Its a fact- children who get enough iron during the First 1000 Days will do better at reading, writing and maths when they are starting secondary school  than those who have missed out.