Balanced Child nutrition for a healthy future society: Nutrition for Infants and Toddlers

Good nutrition during the first 2 years of life is vital for growth and development. According to the CDC & USDA, things like introducing foods at certain ages and setting a mealtime routine help children develop nutritious dietary patterns.

Nutrition 0–23 months

To see the most recent nutrition guidelines for infants aged 0-23 months click here.

Exclusive Breastfeeding: Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. Infants should be fed iron-fortified infant formula during the first year if breastfeeding is not possible.

Supplementation: Provide infants with supplemental vitamin D starting soon after birth, if they are exclusively breastfeeding. Parents, caregivers, and guardians should consult with a healthcare provider to determine how long supplementation is necessary.

Introducing Complementary Foods (Around 6 Months):

Complementary foods refer to solid or semi-solid foods introduced to infants alongside breastfeeding or formula feeding, typically around 6 months of age. Complementary foods are necessary because breast milk or formula alone may not provide all the essential nutrients in sufficient quantities as the infant grows older and are important for developing self-feeding ability.

Look for signs of readiness like sitting up, controlling head and neck, swallowing food, bringing objects to the mouth, and grasping small objects. This could be an indication a child is ready for food.

Variety of Foods: Introduce a variety of nutrient-dense complementary foods, including cereals, beans/meat, fruits, vegetables, grains, yogurts, and cheeses. Make sure that you meet the food requirements according to a child’s developmental stage such as eating soft foods and cutting foods into small pieces. To learn more about CDC’s recommendations for infant and toddler nutrition, click here. 

Mealtime Routines:

Cleanliness: Stress the importance of handwashing to minimize the spread of bacteria and illness. Use affordable, easy-to-clean mats for mealtimes.

Focus: Promote technology-free, face-to-face family meals for genuine connections. children often imitate the behavior of adults and older siblings, so demonstrate healthy eating habits, Make mealtimes pleasant and relaxed. Avoid stress or pressure during meals. Encourage community bonding and local cultural food sharing during meals (such as local festivals). Emphasize communal eating with friends and family or homemade foods.

Utensils: Child-friendly, such as colorful and smaller durable utensils.  

Portion Control: Encouraging positive body cues for children during meals is essential for fostering healthy eating habits and a positive relationship with food.

•  Encourage them to listen to their stomach and stop eating when they feel satisfied. 
• Teach children to eat slowly, and chew their food thoroughly.
• Avoid forcing them to finish all the food on their plate. 
• Avoid Food as a Reward or Punishment. 
• Offer a Variety of Foods. 
• Involve children in age-appropriate cooking activities. Praise children when they make healthy food choices or exhibit positive eating behavior. 

Nutrient Needs:

Vitamins and Minerals: Children need a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, iron, and zinc, for healthy growth. If necessary, consult the primary care provider to determine appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements to meet the child's needs.

Guidelines according to the American Academy of Pediatrics for different ages:

Remember, every child is different, and it's important to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian/Nutritionist to ensure your child's specific nutritional needs are met. 

In Arizona, there are lots of services that will help meet the nutritional needs of infants and children.

• WIC: WIC, which stands for Women, Infants, and Children, supports low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5 and provides nutritious foods, dietary guidance, and healthcare referrals. To find out whether you are eligible to join, and to find a local clinic in your area, click here to visit the Arizona Department of Human Services website. 
• Arizona Department of Education Health and Nutrition Services: The Arizona Department of Education (AZED) has a division that is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of children and provides information on federally funded nutrition programs that are available. Here you’ll find the Child Nutrition Programs that are provided to Arizona families including free and reduced lunches, Afterschool Care Snack Program, and summer meal programs 
• Click here to visit the AZ Health Zone website, which offers resources for breastfeeding, child nutrition, and emergency food. 
• Click the link to visit the University of Arizona's Division of Agriculture, Life & Veterinary Sciences Cooperative Extension website. 
• Local Markets and Produce Drives: There are organizations in Arizona that sell produce at a lower rate than grocery stores to all parts of Arizona so that people can buy produce close to home. Borderlands Produce Rescue is one of those organizations, and here you can find events that are within miles of your town using this link: https://borderlandsproducerescue.org/events/