Healthy habits for children from an early age: most importantly, choosing the right milk
What are the most important healthy eating habits that should be instilled in a child from an early age?
Healthy eating habits related to a child's diet vary according to their age and ability to eat, but in general there are basic habits that should be followed, including the following:
Avoid drinking liquid cow's milk during early growth years
It is not recommended in any form to consume liquid cow's milk as a primary meal for young children during periods of rapid growth and early childhood. Although it contains protein, fats, calcium and some other elements, its composition is not supplemented with all the nutrients a child necessarily needs at these stages and that are available in the appropriate form in growing-up milk formulated for young children. The composition of liquid cow's milk lacks the ideal proportions of vitamins (D, A, E, C), minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium and phosphorus, digestive aids such as beneficial (probiotic) bacteria, antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids.[2]
Drinking growing-up milk formulated for children
The rich and fortified composition of growing-up milk formulated for young children contains all the essential elements that contribute to building a child's body properly, including:[3][4][5]
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect the child's body cells and help their proper development and growth, and strengthen their immune system. Prominent examples include vitamins (A, E, C) and beta-carotene, which are present in suitable amounts in fortified growing-up milk for young children.
- Iron and zinc: Iron enhances the growth of the child's brain and the development of behavior and cognition. It is a key component of red blood cells, which are the main carriers of oxygen and nutrients that help the growth of the body's cells and vital and nervous systems. Iron deficiency exposes the child to anemia. Zinc boosts the child's immunity and supports bone structure and strength.
- Calcium and vitamin D: These two components support bone health and contribute to building a strong skeletal structure capable of movement and flexibility, enabling the child to walk, stand, and run as they grow. Vitamin D also enhances immune strength and provides protection against chronic diseases.
- Beneficial bacteria: These bacteria are responsible for regulating digestive health and intestinal softness. They are included in the composition of growing-up milk for children, making it easy to digest and not uncomfortable or painful to drink, thus making it appealing to the child.
- Beneficial fatty acids: Growing-up milk contains DHA and omega fatty acids (3, 6). These acids help the development of the child's brain and are fundamentally linked to eye health and clear vision, in addition to supporting nervous system growth and the development of the child's sensory functions.
Feeding the child appropriate healthy foods
A child's willingness to eat increases gradually as their sense of taste develops and they come to enjoy the flavors of new foods offered to them. It is recommended to pair soft and simple foods in their diet first, then transition to moderately firm foods appropriate to the child's age, while ensuring there are no allergies by introducing foods one at a time with a rate of three small meals a day starting with the growing-up milk formulated for children at breakfast. Recommended healthy foods include: green vegetables and leafy greens, fruits, legumes, eggs, red meats, poultry, fish, cheeses and dairy products.[1][2]
Avoid sugars, nuts, and raw foods
Attention should be paid to the amount of sugar in the child's daily diet, avoiding sweetened foods and those containing added sugars such as juices made from non-natural ingredients. Also avoid hard nuts, popcorn and various foods that may pose a choking hazard, sausages, raw and unpasteurized cheeses or dairy products, and other types of milk except for the growing-up milk formulated for young children, including liquid cow's milk.[1][2]
In conclusion: Although creating healthy eating habits may at first seem difficult when dealing with a young child who does not know what benefits or harms them, it is nonetheless important and has a significant impact primarily on the child's safety and health. This begins with giving the child the growing-up milk appropriate for their age and avoiding drinking liquid cow's milk, which lacks the benefits and elements the child urgently needs during this critical and sensitive stage of childhood. Why endure the trouble of searching and choosing an alternative when the best option for the child is available and within your hands.[2]
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