Your baby is 1-year-old! It is walking and talking now, and she has begun to form new nutritional needs that are very different from those of an infant and an older child. How should it be fed now?
Feeding children between the ages of 1 and 3 years is a transition from breastfeeding to adult nutrition. The digestive system involves all groups of digestive glands, strengthens all layers of the walls of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, increasing the capacity of the stomach from 250 ml for a year-old baby to 300-500 ml for a child three years of life. Digestion of food is completed 4 hours after its consumption. The chewing apparatus is formed: in the period from 1 to 2.5 years, the child will have 12 teeth. As the teeth appear, the baby begins to chew food, although this process does not become effective until 18 to 24 months of age.
Children at this age begin to eat foods and meals eaten by adults. But unfortunately, adult foods cannot fully meet the growing body’s need for nutrients. Therefore, children after one year may be deficient in some vitamins and minerals, especially iron – a vital component of blood cells. And as we know, blood is involved in most metabolic processes of the body. If a child’s body lacks certain vitamins, there may be an imbalance of the microflora and this interferes with the all-round development of the child. Therefore, it is very important that the child continues to receive special milk formula, such as HiPP Baby Formula, Kendamil formula designed for children after the age of 1 year, and milk products. This will ensure a complete diet.
Certain rules should be followed to ensure that the child has a proper and balanced diet after the age of 1 year:
- Parents, not children, determine the timing of food intake (there should be a regimen);
- Children do not grow as fast as they did during the first year, so they require less food.
- Feed the child in small portions, encouraging them to ask for more food.
- As the child gets older, you should gradually increase the ration and introduce new foods, but spicy foods should not be given.
- You should not force a child to eat foods that he does not like. It is better to replace these foods with similar (for example, replace vegetables with fruit).
- To find out if a child likes a particular product, you need to repeatedly (up to 10 times) offer him a certain meal.
- Daily, 2-3 times a day, give your baby milk (preferably special baby milk formula for children after a year) or other low-fat dairy products for children.
- Do not give your baby strong tea or coffee.
- A child’s motor activity and being out in the fresh air helps improve appetite. Play with your baby for 1 to 3 hours before lunch and dinner!
Let’s take a look at what milk formula should contain for a baby over 12 months of age:
- Probiotics and prebiotics – live cultures for the gut;
- Adapted cow’s milk protein – for harmonious growth;
- Omega-3 fatty acids – important for the cardiovascular system;
- B vitamins, E, D, folic acid and thiamine – the basis for a healthy immune system;
– Micronutrients: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, sodium, potassium and iodine – for sustainable development of the body.
Infant formula should be made without the use of genetically modified ingredients, preservatives, dyes, and flavors. You can learn more about the types and formulations of formula on the Organic’s Best website.
For your baby to grow up healthy, smart and mature, feed him the right foods for his age and needs. And don’t forget about the dairy component in the diet.
