Most parents want to make sure their children are well nourished. There are so many foods on the market today to choose from that do not provide good nutrition for a healthy child. Parents need to be aware that healthy children are a result of the parent’s nutritional status before conception, during pregnancy, and proper feeding in infancy and childhood. Once a child is born, it is necessary to create a plan for nutrition that includes both good food and the right supplements to provide support for the child’s growing body.

Personal Story

I like to plan healthy meals for my family to eat. Providing meals with good nourishment gives my family members energy, builds their immune systems, and supports their body’s general health. It’s satisfying to watch them “chow down” on good, healthy food.

Good Nutritional Plan

Throughout a child’s life, parents must consider many things as they create a nutritional plan. Here are some areas to think about in creating a plan for each stage of a child’s life.

During Pregnancy

It is important to provide good nutrition for the mother during pregnancy. Good, whole foods and specific supplements can provide additional nutritional support for the developing infant. These are some supplements a pregnant woman could consider and discuss with her health care practitioner.

• Prenatal vitamins
• Calcium
• Folic acid to prevent birth defects
• Fish oil, such as cod liver oil, for cognitive development of unborn baby

During a Child’s Infancy

• Once the baby has been born, they need continued nutrition to set a good foundation for life.
• Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for an infant. A mother can seek help from a lactation consultant if she is struggling with breastfeeding.
• When a mother takes fish oil and breastfeeds, her infant can have better cognitive development.
• It is usually best to wait at least six months before introducing solids to an infant to reduce the likelihood of food allergies and atopic conditions.

During Childhood

The following are some basic supplements to consider for children. Please discuss these with a health care practitioner:

• Multivitamin/mineral
• Fish oil, such as cod liver oil, for cognitive development
• Probiotics for immune function

General Supplement Guidelines

• Select the right supplement and adjust dosages for weight.
• Use quality supplements
• Children on medications and those who have kidney or liver disease need guidance by a health care professional.

Supplements do not take the place of good food; they are an added support for the child’s body.

Nutritional Foods

The best nutritional food choices are organic foods that may reduce the chemical load children are absorbing into their bodies. If organics are not affordable or available, consider at least purchasing the dirty dozen foods only organically grown. The dirty dozen is a list of foods which are often grown with pesticides.

• Apples
• Bell and hot peppers
• Celery
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Kale, collard, and mustard greens
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Spinach
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes

The clean fifteen is a list of foods that are okay not to buy as organic because they do not have as many pesticides on them.

• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cantaloupes
• Cauliflower
• Eggplant
• Frozen Sweet Peas
• Honeydew Melon
• Kiwi
• Mushrooms
• Onion
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Sweet Corn

Locally grown food usually has more nutrients and are worth seeking out. Plan to include quality proteins, vegetable, fruits, healthy fats, and some carbohydrates in the child’s diet.

Action

Take time to make a nutritional plan that includes good food and supplements for each stage of your child’s life. The results will be evident in better health.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What do you consider good nutrition practices for children?