Healthy Eating Habits Start Young

By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers


Plan plenty of time for meals so you and your baby can relax and enjoy the experience of eating, rather than shoveling the food in and rushing through the meal.


Harry Truman once said, "A nation is only as healthy as its children." A growing health concern in the United States is the rapid rise in obesity. These conditions have risen to epidemic levels among all ages, including young children. One of the primary causes of overweight problems in children is poor eating habits.


Interestingly, babies begin acquiring eating habits from their first bites of food and studies have concluded that by 3 years of age, most of a child's eating preferences are established. The message is clear: if you want your child to have healthy eating habits, it is important to focus on them early.


Developing eating habits and food preferences is a learned process, like sleeping through the night, potty training and other developmental skills. For your child to learn, active involvement from parents and caregivers is required, and it will take time. Ensuring that your child has the ability to make healthy food choices is critical, so set aside the time and devote some energy to teaching your children these skills.


For babies and toddlers, developing healthy eating habits does not mean dieting, of course. Unless your baby's diet is under the supervision of a health-care provider, it is not necessary to count calories or choose low-fat or non-fat foods. Ensuring a healthy diet for babies is simply a matter of providing them with a good variety of healthy foods and limiting the consumption of most processed foods.


Along with introducing your baby to a wholesome diet, here are some tips and activities that will support developing healthy eating habits for your baby:



  • Be a good role model. Babies learn through mimicking you and others around them. If you talk negatively about fruits and vegetables or don't eat them much yourself, your baby will have a tough time accepting them. Remember, your baby will respond to what you like.
     

  • Take your baby to the store or local farm stands. Begin introducing him to different fruits and vegetables. Teach him the names of different types of produce. Talk to him about the wonderful colors, great smells and varied textures.
     

  • Talk positively about fruits and vegetables. Let your baby know what he is eating when you are feeding him, what vitamins and minerals he is getting and how important nutrients are for growing bigger and stronger.
     

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