Child development

Breastfeeding

This is a natural process controlled by prolactin. In the first few days after birth colostrum is produced- a clear liquid that becomes yellow, containing protein and antibodies.

Advantages

• free and convenient
• helps bonding
• no preperation or sterillisation
• helps the mother regain her figure faster
• helps mothers uterus return to previous size
• contains correct balance of nutrients
• contains antibodies
• contains polyunsaturated fatty acids for brain development
• easy to digest
• doesn't contain additives

Disadvantages

• embarrassment
• can be tiring
• not enough milk is produced
• sore, inverted *******

Bottle feeding

Advantages

• Contains all the vitamins and minerals a baby needs
• Different milks are produced for different ages
• Liquid milk is useful for travelling or emergency use

Disadvantages

• Doesn't offer same degree of protection as breastfeeding
• Some babies are allergic to cows milk and soya-based formulas may be used
• Liquid milk is expensive and wasteful
• Have to sterilise equipment and preparation

Weaning

Stage 1 (6-7 months)

• offer food once a day in small amounts after little milk
• puree food using a blender, or mash food to remove lumps
• don't give babies foods containing gluten
• introduce a variety of tastes
• encourage babies with smiles and talking
• serve the food at the same temperature as milk
• use sterile equipment

Stage 2 (7-9 months)

• introduce wheat based cereals and dairy products
• offer some finger foods
• use a beaker to offer water to drink
• give babies a spoon so they can try to feed themselves

Stage 3 (9-12 months)

• babies can eat the same food as the family three times a day but mashed and chopped if can't be eaten with fingers
• give healthy snacks and rink between meals
• as the amount of solid food increases, the amount of milk decreases untill only a bedtime milk feed is necessary

Vitamins and minerals

• Vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin-Butter, margarine, green veg
• Vitamin B releases energy from food-Wholegrain cereals, meat, pulses
• Vitamin C for absorption of calcium and iron, protects against infections, heals wounds--citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes
• Vitamin D for calcium absorption-sunlight, margarine, eggs
• Calcium for strong bones and teeth-milk, cheese, green veg
• Iron for carrying oxygen in blood-red meat, green veg, cocoa
• Fluoride for protecting teeth-seafood, fluoridated water

Preventing food posioning

• Don't lick fingers or bowls
• Don't cough, sneeze or smoke over food
• Don't touch spots or pick scabs
• Keep nails short and clean
• Wash hands thoroughly

In the kitchen...

• clean all equipment…