Children learn from what they observe, and family eating habits serve\nas a child\u2019s first nutritional education.<\/p>\n
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Upon reaching the age of two, children enter a\nvital phase of growth. Breast milk, which previously served as a primary\nsource of intake, ceases, while the child\u2019s activity levels\nincrease.<\/p>\n
They begin to move more, play, and explore their environment. At the\nsame time, many parents face new problems when children become picky\neaters, struggle to eat, or engage in \u2018refusal to eat\u2019 (GTM)\nbehaviours.<\/p>\n
This situation often causes anxiety. Parents may prepare nutritious\nmeals, only for the child to take a tiny bite or reject the food\nentirely.<\/p>\n
However, the phase of difficult eating should not mean that attention\nis focused solely on how much food a child consumes. Equally important\nis monitoring the quality and diversity of the nutrients the child\nreceives throughout the day.<\/p>\n
During this period, children require energy and various nutrients to\nsupport both physical growth and brain development. Protein, iron,\nvitamin C, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, DHA, as well as Omega-3 and Omega-6\nfatty acids, are several nutrients that require attention.<\/p>\n
Iron, for instance, is an essential micronutrient that plays a role\nin various bodily functions, including supporting a child\u2019s cognitive\ndevelopment.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, vitamin C helps increase iron absorption so that it can be\nutilised more optimally by the body. Therefore, combining iron sources\nwith vitamin C in a child\u2019s diet is crucial.<\/p>\n
These needs should be met through a diverse diet. Milk is not the\nsole source of nutrition and cannot replace main meals.<\/p>\n
However, for some families, milk remains a part of the daily diet,\neven when a child is going through a difficult eating phase.<\/p>\n
When providing milk, parents should not only consider the flavour the\nchild enjoys. The nutritional content must also be read and understood.\nIron, vitamin C, DHA, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, protein, calcium,\nvitamin D, and zinc are several components to consider according to the\nchild\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n
The more important principle is not to rely on a single type of food\nor drink for nutritional adequacy. Children need to be introduced to a\nvariety of food ingredients from an early age.<\/p>\n
The difficult eating phase can actually serve as an opportunity for\nfamilies to build better eating habits, while maintaining patience and\nconsistency.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/challenges-in-meeting-childrens-nutritional-needs-after-weaning-1788605976", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }