[The main principles of nutrition from 0 to 3 years of age]

Infants and toddler's nutrition must take into account growth speed, degree of maturation and development, and physical activity. In early infancy mother milk is still the matchless reference that milk companies try to imitate in terms of nutritional and functional efficiency. Alternatives to breast-milk are represented by several kinds of infant formula. The choice between this multitude must be made regarding the composition, the scientifically proven claim and the infant tolerance, being cautious of inopportune milk shifting which are useless and potentially deleterious. Up to 4 to 6 months, milk is sufficient by itself, except for vitamin D. Afterwards, servings must take into account progressive introduction of solid foods attempting to keep as long as possible an adapted milk (follow-on and growing-up formula). Clinical monitoring must focus on preventing deficiencies and overeating, with special regards to calcium and iron supplies and to obesity prevention.