Page 51 - FoodFocusThailand No.202 January 2023

STRATEGIC R & DD
STRATEGIC R &

Complementary foods include all five should last no more than 30 to 45 minutes, and the babies should be allowed to
food groups, such as rice or flour, meat participate in eating as needed. Food may be spilled, but they will eventually learn
or eggs, vegetables, fruit, and oil. A lack to eat. It is also suggested that family meals can also improve a child’s dietary
of any food group will have an impact on intake and behaviors.
the baby’s growth and nutrition, such as In conclusion, babies typically transition from liquid to semi-solid and solid
causing slow weight gain or anemia due foods in accordance with the rapid development of their eating habits and bodily
to an iron deficiency. Complementary functions. Therefore, food for newborns and infants varies in quantity and quality
foods can be made with regular adult depending on their age. Also, how we feed our babies is very important, as food
ingredients but with an altered texture. is a source of energy and nutrition that helps them grow and develop healthy eating
For example, at 6 months, babies could habits that will shape their future health.
begin eating finely blended and gradually
change the texture of food to roughly
blended, and around 1 year of age, they More Information Service Info C009
can chew foods on their own, even if they
lack a complete set of teeth. Babies
begin to use their hands to grasp (finger)
food and place it in their mouths around
the age of 8 to 9 months, while at one
year old, they should be ready to hold a
spoon. Babies will also begin to learn the
taste of food at this age. As a result, they
should be exposed to the real flavors of
natural foods rather than seasoning them
with sugar, salt, or fish sauce.

Young Children Aged 1 Year and
Older
After a year, the baby’s diet shifts from
mostly milk to a balanced mix of foods
and milk between meals. At this age,
they should eat three meals and two
snacks per day. And all five food groups
must be included in their diet, just like
complementary and adult foods.
Because the baby’s portion size remains
small, their meals should be varied to
provide more nutrients, and it is
necessary for them to have snacks. Their
snacks must be nutrient-rich and given
between meals, ideally 2-3 hours apart.
Younger children’s meals and snacks
should also be of high quality, with strong
seasonings avoided, because young
children may become addicted to the
rich flavors and reject natural-tasting
food. Parents should also try to avoid
giving them sugar, sweets, and store-
bought packaged snacks because these
bad foods may lead to unhealthy eating
habits in the future.
At this stage, babies also become
more curious and interested in their
surroundings. As a result, when it comes
to eating, they may not always cooperate.
Feeding them nutritious meals and
snacks at the appropriate times can
encourage cooperation and help them
learn how their appetite works and how
to respond to natural hunger and
fullness. Also, at this stage, a single meal
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