Nutrition Guide for Children Under 3 Years Old

Nutrition Guide for Children Under 3 Years Old

Breast Milk – The Perfect Nutrition for Infants

• Colostrum: This precious milk is formed from the 14th-16th week of pregnancy, secreted in the first 1-3 days after birth and lasts for about the first week. Colostrum is rich in antibodies that protect newborns from diseases.

• Mature Milk: This includes foremilk and hindmilk, providing complete nutrients for child development.

Nutritional Composition of Breast Milk:

• Protein: Less than cow’s milk but contains all the essential amino acids for children. The protein in breast milk is easily digestible, especially lactalbumin.

• Lipid: Higher than cow’s milk, containing many unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic/linolenic) that help develop the brain and vision. Lipase in breast milk helps children absorb lipids in the stomach.

• Glucid: More than cow’s milk, mainly beta lactose, which is easily digestible and provides energy for children.

• Vitamins: Breast milk contains a lot of vitamin A, twice as much as cow’s milk.

• Calcium and Phosphorus: Easily absorbed due to the Ca/P ratio in breast milk being 1.5-2.

Notes:

• The antibacterial substance in colostrum decreases rapidly after 2 hours.

• The average breastfeeding time for infants is 15-20 minutes.

• Infants are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life.

• Weaning should occur when the child reaches 18-24 months of age.

• Plugged milk ducts are a common occurrence for breastfeeding mothers.

Amount of Milk Needed for Infants Not Exclusively Breastfed:

• Week 2: 80ml/feeding, 6-7 feedings/day.

• Week 3: 90ml/feeding, 6-7 feedings/day.

• Week 4: 100ml/feeding, 6-7 feedings/day.

Amount of Supplementary Food for Infants Aged 2-6 Months Not Exclusively Breastfed:

• 15% of the child’s weight/day.

Infant Feeding Schedule:

• Newborns: 8 feedings/day.

• Under 3 months: 7 feedings/day.

• 3-5 months: 6 feedings/day.

• Over 6 months: 5 feedings/day.

Interval Between Feedings:

• Infants 2-4 months: 2.5-3 hours.

Supplementary Food for Infants:

• 6 months: 1 meal of liquid cereal (5% cereal).

• 7-8 months: 2 meals of thicker cereal.

• 9-11 months: 3 meals of thicker cereal.

• 1-2 years: 3 meals of porridge + 1 snack.

• 2-3 years: 3 meals of mashed rice + 200-300ml milk/day.

Notes:

• The feeding schedule and amount of supplementary food can vary depending on the child’s needs.

• It is advisable to consult a nutritionist for a suitable dietary regimen for your child.

• Providing adequate nutrition for your child is crucial for their healthy and holistic development.