Nutrition and the life cycle 2: infancy and weaning

The first article in this nutrition and the life cycle series discussed nutrition in pregnancy (Vol 9 (17): 1133-8). This second article will concentrate on infancy and weaning. Weaning infants is an area that causes concern for parents. Health professionals need to be well informed about this aspect of childcare, as practices have changed recently. Babies should usually begin weaning between 4 and 6 months of age. Infant diets need to be high in lipid for energy, and for essential long-chain fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. Their diets should also be rich in the micronutrients; infants are particularly at risk of deficiency for iron and zinc. Infants should be introduced to as many tastes and textures as reasonably possible, but foods likely to cause an allergic reaction should be avoided for as long as possible. Finally, all the family should enjoy mealtimes, and the pattern laid down for a life of healthy eating. The next article in this series will review nutrition in the school-age child.