Healthy Child, Happy Child

Every parent wants their offspring to be healthy, active and happy child. This can be achieved when they get proper nutrition. It is important to provide them with good nutrition during the first few years of their life as they are growing and developing rapidly.

For babies' age up to 6 months, breastfeeding is the ideal food as it provides calcium and proteins to their body.

When your baby grows older, introduce solid food in his diet. Begin with foods that are rich in iron, fruits and vegetables. As they grow, ensure that they have a balance diet which is made up of the following combination:-

Meat, fish and alternatives including eggs, soy products, milk and beans are all high in protein. Fish and eggs should only be served to babies over six months.

Carbohydrates such as bread, rice, pasta and cereals provide the energy they needs to grow and should be served at every meal, along with fruit and vegetables. It would be good if you can start them with whole meal bread or brown rice.

Dairy products such as yogurt and cheese are rich in protein, calcium and some vitamins and minerals. Ensure that they get enough of these nutrient-rich foods for their growing body.

Fat from Omega 3 Fatty Acids Toddlers need more fats than adults. Ensure they are getting more of the good fats from foods like oily fish e.g salmon, sardine, cheese, yogurt and milk.

Fruit and vegetables contain a whole range of minerals and vitamins which are important for their development. It doesn't matter if the fruit and vegetables you serve is fresh, frozen or if it comes from a tin - a baby should have some fruit and vegetables with every meal. A pureed apple or crushed banana makes a nice, healthy desert for a baby.

Limit fatty and sugary food such as cakes, biscuits, sugary drinks or margarine provide them with a sudden surge of energy and should be given to them only on occasion. Excess sugar from these foods will turn into fats. Also, sugary foods and drinks (including fruit juice) can increase the risk of dental decay.