Understanding how to provide appropriate nutrition is a fundamental\nresponsibility for parents to meet their child\u2019s optimal nutritional\nneeds. This was emphasised by paediatrician Dr Ian Suryadi Suteja, M.Med\nSc, Sp.A, a graduate of Gadjah Mada University, during a health\ndiscussion in Jakarta last weekend.<\/p>\n
According to Dr Suteja, child feeding rules encompass more than just\nwhat is consumed; they include three main pillars: timing, procedure,\nand environment. Parents must understand the correct timing of meals,\nthe appropriate feeding method, and the proper nutritional\ncomposition.<\/p>\n
In line with guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr\nSuteja recommends implementing responsive feeding methods, meaning\nparents should be attuned to their child\u2019s biological responses and\nneeds, particularly in recognising hunger and satiety signals. He\nadvises that when a child shows signs of hunger, they should be fed\naccordingly.<\/p>\n
However, he notes the importance of transitioning eating patterns as\nchildren age. For infants aged 0 to 3 months, unrestricted breastfeeding\nis appropriate, whilst from 4 to 6 months onwards, feeding should follow\na set schedule.<\/p>\n
Regarding portion sizes, parents are advised not to force large\nvolumes. For a nine-month-old baby, for example, stomach capacity\ntypically allows for only approximately 30 millilitres of food per\nmeal.<\/p>\n
On nutritional composition, Dr Suteja highlights the crucial role of\nanimal-based proteins such as meat, dairy, and eggs, alongside\ncarbohydrates, vegetables, and fruits. Animal-based proteins are\nparticularly effective in preventing stunting in children because they\ncontain complete amino acids, superior nutritional value, better iron\ncontent, and significantly more essential nutrients compared to\nplant-based proteins.<\/p>\n
Children\u2019s eating interests are greatly influenced by sensory\nexperiences, including taste and aroma variety. During the critical\nphase of introducing complementary foods, children should be exposed to\nvarious flavours to develop openness to dietary diversity later in\nlife.<\/p>\n
Milk serves as part of a complete meal or as a light snack,\nparticularly at breakfast. To maintain regular metabolism and eating\npatterns, a consistent meal schedule should be established.<\/p>\n
Beyond nutritional aspects, the atmosphere during meals is important.\nParents should create a pleasant environment so children can enjoy the\neating process without feeling forced. Milk serves an important function\nas part of a balanced diet.<\/p>\n
Finally, Dr Suteja advises parents to remain vigilant about changes\nin eating patterns and regularly compare their child\u2019s growth with\nstandard growth curves for children of the same age. Early detection is\nvital for preventing chronic nutritional problems in the future.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/child-feeding-guidelines-the-key-to-preventing-stunting-through-proper-scheduling-and-nutrition-1773633234", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }