PSANZ Releases the 2019 "The First 1000 Days" Booklet on Early Nutrition

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The Early Life Nutrition Coalition feels every child deserves the best start to life and provides practical recommendations on making the most of these first 1,000 days, elnc.psanz.com.au reports

Parents should avoid introducing their infant to solid foods until he or she is six months old. Breastfeeding during the first six months of life allows the infant to gain weight at a healthy, slow rate, which can help reduce weight issues later in life while decreasing the child's risk of obesity. However, parents often wonder how they should go about introducing new foods to an infant when the child is ready. To assist parents, the Early Life Nutrition Coalition announces the release of the 2019 'First 1000 Days' e-booklet.

While the Perinatal Diet is of great importance to a child's development, the early years are also critical. Breast milk may be continued once the child begins taking in solids. However, parents need to recognize when their child is ready to try foods other than their mother's milk.

Children are ready to begin solid foods when they are at least six months of age and can sit up without assistance. The tongue-thrust reflex should no longer be present as well. If the child continues to push new foods out of his mouth when they are introduced, wait a short period and try again. Furthermore, the child should be able to pick up food using his fingers and thumb.

Begin a feeding session by nursing the child. He or she becomes more receptive to new foods when the stomach is partially full. Don't hesitate to nurse the infant after introducing the new foods as well. In addition, don't expect the child to eat much when trying new things. The goal is to introduce him or her to new tastes and textures rather than replacing a full meal. By taking the process slow, parents find their child remains receptive to the process.

When Introducing Solids, wait a minimum of one week after trying one food before introducing another. This helps to determine if the child is allergic to the food, and single ingredient dishes should be provided at this time. This helps to narrow down allergens if the child does have a reaction.

This does not mean parents should avoid any potential allergens, such as peanut butter and eggs. These items need to be included in the child's diet to learn if there are any potential issues. In the event there is a family history of food allergies, consult with the pediatrician and an allergist to determine which foods should be introduced and when.

For more information, download 'First 1000 Days'. This e-booklet offers practical tips for pre-conception through to toddlerhood as nutrition matters for lifelong health. Browse the site for a wealth of valuable resources also, as every child deserves a good head start in life. The right foods help to ensure they get this boost during the first few years of life.

Information has been sourced from the PSANZ Early Life Nutrition Coalition, which has produced a pregnancy and nutrition guide to the 'First 1,000 Days'.

About the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand:

The Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) is a multidisciplinary society dedicated to improving the health and long term outcomes for mothers and their babies. PSANZ encompasses and strongly encourages research focused on mothers and babies during pregnancy and at birth as well as the health of the newborn as its development continues after birth.

Contact Info:
Name: PSANZ Secretariat
Email: Send Email
Organization: Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand
Address: 21, 33 Milgate Drive, Mornington, Victoria, Australia 3931
Phone: 1300 867 224
Website: https://elnc.psanz.com.au/elnc/

Release ID: 525579

CONTACT ISSUER
Name: PSANZ Secretariat
Email: Send Email
Organization: Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand
Address: 21, 33 Milgate Drive, Mornington, Victoria, Australia 3931
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