“Good Nutrition is a foundation of a child’s survival, health, and development."
I completely agree with this quote because good nutrition indeed plays a vital role in the proper development of an individual. As we continue to grow, good nutrition has a vital role in our development, especially during the early stages of childhood which is when tremendous physical, cognitive, socio-emotional, and language development occur. Promoting good nutrition during the first 2 years is proven to contribute to healthy growth and development, and helps children develop healthy dietary patterns which they can continue as they increase in age according to their growth patterns and nutrition needs (CDC, 2020).
Children who are well-nourished can grow, learn, play and participate in their communities better, and are more resilient in the face of crisis. Increased consumption of processed foods high in fat, sugar, and salt has led to a rise in childhood overweight, particularly in middle-income countries. Those who lack the proper nutrients for their nutritional needs are at risk for malnutrition, stunting, and wasting. Micronutrient deficiencies affect more than 340 million children under 5 globally, delaying their growth, weakening their immune systems, and impairing their brain development (UNICEF, 2021).
Starting good nutrition as early as infancy is proven to be effective to a child’s overall health which would benefit him/her in the long run. Breastmilk provides the ideal nutrition for infants and is a perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat—everything a baby needs to grow healthy and strong. Through exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months, antibodies help give the baby gain proper immunity to fight infection, and even lower risks of contracting asthma, allergies, ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and diarrhea (Taylor, 2008). Furthermore, breastfeeding can help avoid sudden death syndrome and increase IQ scores in later childhood.
Besides exclusive breastfeeding, providing various foods rich in vitamins and nutrients also contribute to a child’s nutrition, especially for toddlers and younger children. During early development, children start to implement routines that they carry with them into adulthood; one of which must be good nutritional habits and practices. Hence, parents must ensure that the food they give to their children eat is rich in carbohydrates, protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and D. Not only do these macro and micronutrients give children have an enhanced natural ability to fight infection, but also help prevent delayed psychomotor development, slower nerve impulses, and decreased activity levels and cognitive functioning (Chulack 2016). Promoting healthy food choices and regular eating habits can lead to a positive association to healthy food, thus having good nutrition among children (Wood, 2018)
Good nutrition is considered the bedrock of child survival and growth (UNICEF, 2021). Therefore, the key to proper nutrition is providing exclusive breastfeeding for infants, having a well-balanced nutritious diet, and a conducive lifestyle as early as possible in order for them to develop to their fullest health and capacity so that they perform well and avoid various illnesses in their adulthood.
References:
CDC. (2020, December 11). Infant and Toddler Nutrition. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/InfantandToddlerNutrition/index.html
Chulack, A. (2016, September 11). The Importance of Nutrition in Early Childhood Development. Novak Djokovic Foundation. https://novakdjokovicfoundation.org/importance-nutrition-early-childhood-development/
Taylor, R. B. (2008, October 28). Breastfeeding. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/nursing-basics
UNICEF (2021). Nutrition. UNICEF. Org. https://www.unicef.org/nutrition
Wood, S. J. (February 5, 2018). Importance of Good Nutrition for Kids and Young Children. Children’s Bureau. https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/importance-of-good-nutrition-for-young-children/