Influence of Nutrition on Physical Development in Early Childhood

Infants

• In the beginning, nutrition for your infant is pretty simple. According to HealthyChildren.org, breast milk or formula will provide every nutrient a baby needs for the first year of life. Usually around 6 months of age, your young one is ready to add her first solid foods into her diet. By this age, breast milk may not contain the amount of iron and zinc your infant needs, so iron-fortified cereals and pureed meats are good choices, especially if she is breast-fed. Your infant will also need some strained fruits and vegetables in her diet after 6 months. In addition, HealthyChildren.org states that a healthy amount of fat in a baby's diet helps with her brain and nerve development, so don't restrict her fat intake too much.

Toddlers and Preschoolers

• One of the most important nutrients for young children is calcium. It is necessary for healthy bones and teeth, which are developing as toddlers and preschoolers grow. Milk is a great choice for providing this vital nutrient to your little one, but soy milk, tofu and calcium-fortified foods or juices are other options. Fiber is another nutrient you should encourage your young child to include in his diet, achieved by consuming vegetables, foods that include whole grains and beans. It will help prevent heart disease and also helps aid with digestion and prevent constipation. Although your toddler's or preschooler's appetite may vary from day to day, it is important to offer him healthful selections and let him choose how much to eat, according to ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Choosing the Right Foods

• According to the Mayo Clinic, children 2 to 3 years of age should consume about 1,000 to 1,400 calories per day; girls ages 4 to 8 require between 1,200 and 1,800 and boys that age should get slightly more -- up to 2,000 calories per day. The foods that provide those calories should be packed with nutrients and come from all the food groups, but you should try to limit the calories that come from sugars and solid fats. Good sources of protein include seafood, lean meats, eggs or nuts. Encourage your child to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, especially dark green, red or orange vegetables. Foods from the grain group should be mostly whole-grain foods, like whole-wheat bread, oatmeal or brown rice. Choose low-fat or fat-free options among dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt.

Encouraging Healthy Habits

• It is common for young children to be picky eaters, especially as they gain independence and learn to say "no." However, you can encourage healthy eating habits from an early age, according to ChooseMyPlate.gov. Start by being a good model for your child, eating a variety of healthful foods, because she will learn by watching you. Offer your child the right foods, but let her decide how much she consumes. She will be more likely to enjoy a new food when eating it is her choice. Even if your little one doesn't like a food the first time she tries it, keep offering it many times. Let her take just a little taste, and be patient as she learns to accept it.