Infancy and Childhood
On average, during the first six months of a baby's life, either breast milk or bottle feeding (formula) is the sole source of nutrition. Ultimately the mother should decide which method is best for her child. However, there are some advantages to using breast milk over formula. Breast milk meets the nutritional needs of a baby during their first months of life, it is easier for the infant to digest, it contains the mother's antibodies for a healthy immune system, and it costs nothing. Generally, it is believed that breast milk would be better for a growing baby; however, there is nothing wrong with using formula. In facts, some infants are unable to take from the breast and some mothers are unable to produce adequate milk, so formula is by far the best option in these cases. Not all milk should be given to an infant. For example, goat's milk is deficient in folic acid, which can lead to megaloblastic anemia as well as other conditions. Additionally, raw milk that is unpasteurized has organisms the baby's immune system cannot handle and can be a serious threat to their health.
During the next six to twelve months, solid foods are usually introduced. By six months of age babies usually need more calories than breast milk alone can provide. An example of a solid food suitable for a newborn is mashed up bananas. Once a baby is tolerant of mashed up foods, other mashed up foods can be introduced. Foods to avoid would be anything hard to chew or that present a choking hazard, such as nuts, hard candy, peanut butter, or popcorn. Honey is also listed as a food to avoid because it can cause infant botulism, which produces a neurotoxin called clostridium botulinum . This doesn't pose a problem for older children or adults, but can be quite harmful to a newborn child.
The toddler, aged 1 to 4, may have a very irregular appetite. After a rapid growth spurt, there is a decline in growth. Parents may observe erratic or nonexistent hunger with their child. The RDA during this time is an average of 1300 calories a day. Choosing nutrient rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can give a child optimal growth.
Ages 4 to 6 mark the next growth spurt in a child. Height increases as well as energy requirements. The RDA during this time is 1800 calories a day. Obesity during childhood has become an epidemic, so now would be the time for parents to implement good eating habits, not only with their children, but with themselves as well. Healthy, convenient snacks like fruit, cheese, or graham crackers, should be readily accessible for a growing child. The table below shows the RDA for children ages 4 to 6.
|
Age |
Calories |
Protein |
Vitamin A |
Vitamin D |
Vitamin E |
Vitamin K |
|
kcal |
g |
IU |
*ug RE |
IU |
*ug |
IU |
*mg TE |
*ug |
Children |
4-6 |
1,800 |
30/24 |
2,500 |
500 |
400 |
5 |
9 |
7 |
-/20 |
|
Age |
Vitamin C |
Folacin/ Folate |
Niacin |
Riboflavin |
Thiamine |
Vitamin B6 |
Vitamin B12 |
|
mg |
mcg |
mg |
mg |
mg |
mg |
mcg |
Children |
4-6 |
40/45 |
200/75 |
12 |
1.1 |
0.9 |
0.9/1.1 |
1.5/1.0 |
|
Age |
Calcium |
Phosphorous |
Iodine |
Iron |
Magnesium |
Zinc |
Selenium |
Fluoride |
|
mg |
mg |
ug |
mg |
Mg |
mg |
*ug |
*mg |
Children |
4-6 |
800 |
800/500 |
80/90 |
10 |
200/130 |
10 |
-/20 |
-/1.1 |
Lastly, the ages 7 through 10 in a child mark the next growth spurt before adolescence. The RDA for this age is 2000 calories a day. This can be easily obtained as a child's energy is rampant and tends to grab whatever food they can reach. Breakfast is an important meal and starting the foundation of breakfast at a young age is a very important habit that should carry on into later years and adulthood. Some suggestions for breakfast are oatmeal, homemade whole-grain muffins, or fortified cereal. Fresh fruit is always a healthy choice and should be added to most meals. Once parents have implemented good habits, they can expect that child to have them for life.
All throughout these stages it is important that a child receives an adequate supply of nutrients. Their swift growth increases requirements much more than those of an adult. The table below shows RDA for the nutrients in a child ages 7 through 10.
|
Age |
Calories |
Protein |
Vitamin A |
Vitamin D |
Vitamin E |
Vitamin K |
| |
|
kcal |
g |
IU |
*ug RE |
IU |
*ug |
IU |
*mg TE |
*ug |
Children |
7-10 |
2,400/ 2,000 |
36/28 |
3,300 |
500 |
400 |
5 |
10 |
7 |
-/30 |
*First figure refers to the old RDA listing while the second figure refers to the newer DRI listing
|
Age |
Vitamin C |
Folacin/ Folate |
Niacin |
Riboflavin |
Thiamine |
Vitamin B6 |
Vitamin B12 |
| |
|
mg |
mcg |
mg |
mg |
mg |
mg |
mcg |
Children |
7-10 |
40/45 |
300/100 |
16/13 |
1.2 |
1.2/1.0 |
1.2 |
2.0/1.4 |
*First figure refers to the old RDA listing while the second figure refers to the newer DRI listing
|
Age |
Calcium |
Phosphorous |
Iodine |
Iron |
Magnesium |
Zinc |
Selenium |
Fluoride |
| |
|
mg |
mg |
ug |
mg |
Mg |
mg |
*ug |
*mg |
Children |
7-10 |
800 |
800 |
110/120 |
10 |
250 |
10 |
-/30 |
-/3.2 |
*First figure refers to the old RDA listing while the second figure refers to the newer DRI listing
Dr. Adams can help you and your child develop healthy eating habits that are sure to last a lifetime. It is never too early or late to instill healthy behavior.
References
Herbert, Victor, M.D., J.D., Subak-Sharpe, Genell J., M.S., and Kasdan, Tracy Stopler, M.S., R.D., eds. Total Nutrition . New York : St. Martins Press, 1995.
Worthington-Roberts, Bonnie S., MS, Ph.D., and Williams, Sue Rodwell, Ph.D., MPH, RD., eds. Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle . St. Louis : Mosby, 1996.
“Recommended dietary allowances for nutritional elements.” 24 September, 2003. < www.zestrsa.co.za/rda. >
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