The entire month of September is celebrated every year as Nutrition Month. The theme for this year is Rashtriya POSHMAHH, which focuses on the prevention of malnutrition and the first 1000 days.
The first 1000-day period begins at the time of pregnancy and ends when the child turns two.
Why do the first 1000 Days really Matter??
Care & nutrition during the first 1000 days (from conception to 2 years old) profoundly affects a child’s ability to grow, learn and thrive. The foundation for their health throughout life is built upon certain building blocks. These are:
- Nutritional (balanced) diet during pregnancy for the mother –
It will ensure healthy brain development for the baby, a healthy birth weight, and reduce the risk of anemia in mothers. A mother should consume additional amounts of folic acid and foods high in iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
- Exclusive Breastfeeding in the first six months: –
Breast milk is tailored to meet all the growing baby’s needs, and it boosts their immunity.
- Introduction of COMPLIMENTARY/WEANING foods at SIX MONTHS –
Weaning foods must:
- Locally available, culturally acceptable, and prepared at home
- Energy & micronutrients: Help with the gap.
- Helps baby to a more adult diet
- Helps develop food preferences
When weaning your baby:
- Right time/frequency
- Amount Required
- Diversity (in flavor, texture, color & taste)
- Safe and hygiene
- Low in sugar, salt & spices
- After one year, you can start using cow’s milk.
- Introduce a new food one at a time
- Choking hazards: Avoid whole nuts
6-8 months:
- Weaning two times per day while Breastfeeding
- Weaning foods must be semi-solid or pureed (rice, lentil, carrot, apple, and bananas).
9-12 months:
- Weaning three times per day while Breastfeeding
- All food groups should be semi-solid or solid consistency (cereals and pulses, vegetables of all kinds, fruits, eggs, fish, poultry, etc.). Kichidi (mashed potatoes, boiled eggs, etc.) is a good example. It helps boost immunity in the baby and is good for growing babies.
Ages 12-24 months (1-2 years):
- Introduce three healthy meals per day plus 1-2 healthy snacks between them, along with nursing
- Solid finger foods can be introduced (to pick up with the thumb and finger).
- Avoid unhealthy foods such as chips, biscuits/cookies, soft drinks, and fruit-flavored drinks.
