Healthy eating in infancy

Dietary prescriptions meant to reduce the risk of adult diseases could retard growth and development in infants and young children. Parents who pay attention to their infant's hunger or satiety signals will avoid under-feeding or over-feeding their infant. A useful guiding principle is that, as long as overall growth compares favourably with the standards for age, it is likely that all is well. Nutrition priorities during infancy should reflect the promotion of growth and development rather than the prevention of diseases later in life. For this reason, fat restriction is not appropriate under 2 years of age. Don't overdo high-fibre foods. The decrease in iron deficiency anaemia in infants is probably due to the increased use of iron-fortified milk formulae and breakfast cereals. Children up to the age of 5 years need to consume foods which give them sufficient energy and nutrients. Above all, extreme dietary practices should be avoided.