HEALTH PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT

Ubah A adan

1. The food for babies in the United Kingdom is normally set on particular guidelines, which must be followed in order for the babies to develop in a normal and healthy way.

The First six months. Infant normally feed on breast milk or infant formula. For the first six months breast milk is most nutritious and highly recommended. It contains a unique mix of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, lactose, amino acid, enzymes and others.

Important factors that combine they make perfect food for babies, its nutritious and easy for digestion. It has every thing baby needs, Brain development, healthy growth and protection from illnesses.

If the mother chooses not breastfeed the baby, best option available is infant formula.

Introducing solid food to the baby should only start after six months. It’s recommended by health practitioners and also the government policy in the UK, but if the baby feels hungry so often weaning can start before six months but only with foods recommended by an infant nutritionist.

There are foods which must be avoided at all cost for example:

• shellfish
• eggs
• fish
• liver
• nuts
• wheat and gluten
• seeds
• unpasteurised and soft cheese
• salt
• sugar
• honey and whole nut

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6 to 9 months

When the weaning is started a baby’s diet should include the following types of foods:

• milk and dairy
• fruit and vegetables
• meat and fish
• egg and beans
• pasta and rice
• starchy foods

There are many types of prepared baby foods and cereals that have been specially designed for babies, but these foods can also be easily prepared and pureed at home with the use of a food blender, frozen individually into ice cube trays and used as needed.

9 months +

The recommended guidelines for servings of solid food portions at this age are:

• 2 servings per day of meat, fish, eggs or pulses
• 3-4 servings per day of fruits and vegetables
• 3-4 servings per day of potatoes, bread and rice

Formula or breast milk can still be given along with healthy fruit and cereal snacks.

VITAMINS

The Department of Health advises that although children should get the required amount of vitamins from their food, they may be lacking in vitamin A, C and D which can be supplemented in the form of vitamin drops.

Vitamin A: helps children to see in dim light, supports and strengthens the immune system, and ensures healthy skin is maintained.

Vitamin C: helps with the absorption of iron, and supports the immune system.

Vitamin D: helps to strengthen bones, and assists with the absorption of calcium.

2. TYPES OF FOOD THAT SHUOLD BE AVOIDED BY YOUNG CHILDREN

There are many different food types which are considered to be unsuitable for babies and young children. Parents and childcare providers must be very careful the food that is cooked for the children, and the once that is ready made.