The Importance Of Nutrition For Children: How Can Parents, Families, And Communities Help?

 The Importance Of Nutrition For Children: How Can Parents, Families, And Communities Help?

September is celebrated every year as Poshammah, which focuses on nutrition. The aim is to ensure community mobilization and strengthen people's participation in the problem of malnutrition among children and young women. The goal is to increase people's awareness about health and nutrition. All Anganwadis in Maharashtra celebrate Pushan Maa by providing nutritious meals to children, organizing cultural programs, and inviting parents.

Dr. Pranali Kotkar, a medical specialist from Swagram, the Maharashtra government-led Aarambh team, writes about why nutrition is important for children and how parents, families, and communities can contribute. The Aaramb project was launched in 2010 to promote brain development, improve infant and toddler nutrition, and provide nurturing care to prepare 0-3-year-olds for school. A focus on health and nutrition ultimately leads to better learning outcomes in schools and higher education.

Why doesn't my child eat properly? Why does he only prefer junk food? Why is he so picky about what he eats? Why does he always want a screen while eating? "Why does he not want to eat fruit? Why is he still asking for fruit?" Did he eat at 3? These are common questions from new parents. These questions are fraught with uncertainty because there are no definitive answers. Every child is unique, as are parents and The dynamics of their interaction are unique, however, the solution to these questions can be found in the concept of "responsive nutrition".

What is responsive nutrition?

Responsive feeding is a reciprocal relationship in which parents pay attention to their child's cues and respond appropriately to those cues. This action creates a solid foundation for a trusting relationship that promotes the child's growth and development. How children are fed has a lifelong impact on their lives.

The importance of responsive nutrition

Before birth, the fetus receives continuous nutrients through the placenta. As the level of fetal nutrition decreases due to various factors, the placenta facilitates the influx of these nutrients from the maternal system. When a newborn baby is placed on its mother's stomach, it instinctively crawls to the breast and is attracted by the familiar smell and the calm beating and warmth of the mother's heart. This close contact creates a strong bond between mother and child, making the mother's breast a haven. This interaction provides optimal early natural stimulation to the infant's sensory organs and brain and may contribute to long-term sensory neurodevelopment.

Many parents struggle to establish feeding habits for their babies, but the best results are achieved when babies can feed according to their individual needs. This dynamic movement reflects the original design of the baby and mother. Babies learn that their cues trigger a parent's response to meet their needs. When parents notice and respond to early cues, they reduce the need for distressing cues such as crying as a means of getting attention and getting a response. If the baby's hunger signs are not responded to, the child learns the importance of the signs and stops taking signs, resulting in nutritional deficiencies. If parents control their diet, they may ignore the signs of natural satiety and overeat. This can override innate satiety mechanisms and establish overeating as the norm.

How do you practice responsive eating?

Parents can show positivity through smiling, eye contact, and encouraging words spoken to their baby while breastfeeding. When feeding your baby, you should nurse slowly and patiently while maintaining a happy and fun atmosphere. By experimenting with a variety of healthy food options, flavors, and textures, your child will gain confidence in making food choices and developing good eating habits.

Developing patience is important. Parents should wait until the baby stops eating before offering more food. Feeding finger foods encourages your baby to explore eating on his own. During meals, parents should be close to their children and always be interested and attentive. Guardians genuinely must set a positive model by showing great dietary patterns and ways of behaving.

Signs of hunger and satiety

There is a pattern of hunger signs that most babies show after birth. These signs progress from crying to rest, then through awakening, salivation, hands to mouth, preparing to crawl, and arm and leg movements. Then the baby explores the breast through licking, mouthing, touching, and gentle hand massage. This process leads to attachment, breastfeeding, and sleep. In response, the mother gently interacts with the baby, touches him gently, and begins to nurse. When your baby is full, his body should be relaxed and his arms should be by his side. Babies let go of the breast, but some prefer to continue sucking gently until they fall asleep.

If the signs of hunger are ignored, the baby may start crying immediately. Their tongue is drawn up and down towards the chest instead of forward or down. Breastfeeding a crying baby can be difficult for both mother and baby. This can stress your entire body, drain your energy reserves, and lead to inappropriate weight gain. With the right response, parents learn to recognize the early signs of hunger in their baby and respond to them immediately.

Family meals: why the amount and frequency alone are not enough?

The second half of first grade is when children learn how to cook for their families. Observing signs and appropriate responses in the phase of exclusive breastfeeding with breast milk can increase the ability of parents to see appropriate signs for complementary feeding at 6 months. At this stage, your baby may show signals that he is ready for foods other than milk. Your child will need a smile and patience to learn this new skill. Instead of focusing only on the amount of food, think of breastfeeding as an opportunity to interact with your baby.

It's important to include your child in family meals, let him explore and eat the same foods, and observe other people's eating skills. Go at your baby's pace and stop feeding when your baby signals that he is full. Avoid forcing the child to eat. Always stay close to the baby while he is eating. The process of eating should be a source of love and pleasure.

The role of father and family

Fathers, along with other family members and friends, can shape a family's attitudes and beliefs to a large extent. Feelings of alienation can be experienced during breastfeeding, especially if the father wants to play an active role in the baby's life. However, they often express enthusiasm for discussing how to strengthen support for mothers. Fathers contribute to this journey by observing mothers closely, being sensitively alert, and showing patience, care, and warmth while making mothers feel safe. This collaborative effort can help create a more enjoyable dining experience for families.