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| Poor Eating In Infants And Children From 0 to 36 Months |
Many children go
through phases in which refuse certain foods or even any kind of food, that is,
who have bad eating. This phenomenon is particularly common in children up to
age 5 years, but can occur at any age. Sometimes having a bad eating is a way
to show their desire for independence and is part of their maturation process
and normal growth.
Although much can worry parents, children often suffer
complications if not eat enough for a short time. They may need less than you
think. Discuss this issue with other parents who have gone through the same
situation with your child can help.
If the problem does not improve and you are concerned about
your child's growth both in size and weight, you can discuss it with your
doctor or dietitian.
What can I do?
- Provide meals and snacks or snacks regularly. This is better than letting the child go "itching" all day.
- If possible, eat at the same time the child as well learn from you.
- Try to make mealtimes pleasant and sociable.That are fun
- Try eating in a quiet and relaxing place, no television because children are easily distracted.
- Sit at the table and use attractive and colored plates and cups.
- Do not hurry to meals as some children are a little slow, however the food should not drag on, half an hour would be a proper time to eat.
A Guide for Families
- Never force a child to eat
He/she indicates that the child has had enough:
When the head rotates.
When pushing the plate or the bowl away, even on the floor!
When shouts.
When constantly you spit food.
When you are holding the food in your mouth and refuses to
swallow.
- Try not to show you are worried or bothered by the fact that the child does not eat. Although it is difficult to do, because he does not eat, it is advisable to remove the food from the table without comment.
- It is a good idea for children to use your fingers to play with food, do not worry about soiling.
- If your child stops eating for a meal, try to encourage once again to drink. If this is successful, show him that you are happy (say "good boy, well done") and smile at.
- Offering an award as a walk or a special game time together. Do not give a prize to be food.
- What foods should I give and when?
- Offer small portions of food at meals. If the ends, offering more. You must not remove the food and offer a different if the child rejects the first you've offered.
- The refreshing, milk shakes and drinks can fill a child, in the same way that the chips, cookies, pasta, etc. It is best to avoid these foods give your child about mealtimes or dinner.
- When the child spends one season and shown picky food or rejects the food, it is better not to offer new foods. We must try to eat let alone providing small pieces that may take.
- Try to give small snacks, sandwiches, sausages, pieces of soft cheese, potatoes, strips of vegetables and fruit pieces.
- Milk is a nutritious drink, the child must take half a liter a day. But milk should not replace meals. You must monitor the child does not take too much milk during the day or night.
Dairy foods
Try the child take a pint of milk a day.
Try cheeses, yogurts, puddings, rice pudding or custard
milkshakes and other sources of calcium.
Meat or alternative
You can take all kinds of meat, watching fat intake.
You can also take various types of fish.
Children enjoy easy meat to chew, such as minced, sausage,
chicken, fish sticks and fish sauce.
Also legumes (lentils, chickpeas, etc.) are good substitutes
for meat and fish.
Starches
Children should eat these foods at each meal. For most
children like breakfast cereals and bread or toast. It also includes potatoes,
rice, pasta and other grain products.
Breakfast
A small bowl of cereal with milk or toast with butter /
margarine and jam. <br>
Milk to drink.
Appetizers or snacks
Small snack or sandwich with lean ham or cheese.
Yogurt or cheese.
Fruit juice or fruit.
Main meals
Pasta, rice, potatoes.
Easy to eat and digest meat, fish, eggs or vegetables.
Whole or chopped fresh fruit or fruit juice.
Night
Milk.
Fruits and vegetables
Both two servings a day of fruits and vegetables are needed.
If you can choose, it is better fresh, but you can also use canned or frozen
fruit.
Greases
Children need a certain amount of oil, butter or margarine
for growth.
Sugar and sweets
Sugar and sweet foods can be part of feeding your child, but
do not consume too much, and above all, avoid that take between meals.
