Breastfeeding: Longer Breastfeeding Duration, Smarter Children

Mothers, have you breastfed your child?

A new US study published in JAMA Paediatrics found that children who were breastfed for a longer duration developed better language skills at age 3, and showed improved verbal an non-verbal intelligence at age 7.

The study concluded that it is recommended to breastfeed through age six months and continues through at least the child is a year old. These findings are also in line with the US and international recommendations of exclusive breastfeeding.

Another study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood found that children who were breastfed have better chance in climbing the social ladder compared to those who were formula-fed. Breastfeeding can enhance brain development and boost intellect, leading to an increased social mobility and reduced signs of stress.

Nutrition: Picky Eaters? What Can Parents Do?

“Most children who are perceived as picky eaters probably have adequate diets. What parents often perceive as picky eating simply reflects their children’s normal response to new foods.”

– Dr. Leann Birch, Professor and Head of the Human Development and Family Studies Department, Penn State University, US.

It is normal if children aged 2 to 5 refuse to eat new foods because this is a natural process whereby children develop an innate fear of trying something new. At this stage, your child may already have 4-5 favourite foods.

However, it is of utmost importance to ensure that your child’s diet is nutritious and healthy too.

According to Birch, “children should be allowed to decide what and how much they eat, but it’s the parents’ responsibility to make healthy foods available to their children to choose from and eat.”

Here are some effective ways to put nutritious and healthy meals on your child’s plate:

1. Earlier is better

Expose your child to fruits, vegetables and other essential nutrition as early as possible.

2. Remain patient and keep trying

According to research, multiple exposures (between 5 and 10) to new foods will help children to accept and like the new foods. Offer the new foods to your child in a positive and supportive way.

3. Be a role model

According to a study, children aged 2 to 3 show significant preferences to the foods that their mothers like, dislike and never tasted.

4. Don’t restrict certain foods

Let your child be exposed to all types of foods, including candy and desserts, in an appropriate amount. Research shows that restricting the food availability of certain foods will actually increase their craving for that food.

5. Make it fun

Turn the healthy foods into something creative, colourful and playful. You can go for playing a guessing game, baking carrot muffins together, learning about the texture and functions of the foods, and exploring different ways of cooking.

Nutrition: Fill Your Kids’ Plate with Essential Nutrients

According to USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)’s ChooseMyPlate.gov, here are the recommended nutrients intakes for children:

Fruits

• Fresh, dried, frozen and canned (100% juice or in water)
• Maximum fruit juice intake of ¾ cup per day
• Fresh fruit (in season)

Vegetables

• Colourful vegetables
• Frozen vegetables are nutritious and fresh too
• For canned vegetables, go for those labelled “reduced sodium”, “low sodium” or “no salt added”

Grain

• More than half of the intake shall be allocated to whole grains
• Whole wheat
• Brown rice
• Buckwheat
• Oatmeal

Proteins

• Consume seafood at twice a week
• Beans, peas or soy products shall be consumed often
• Leanest cuts of meat, trim away visible fat

Dairy

• Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
• For cheese, go for those with “reduced fat” or “low-fat”

Nutrition: What Shall Children Eat from Infancy to 1 Year Old?

Children will go through few different stages of food intake from infancy. Thus, it is vital for parents to be equipped with the necessary knowledge of children’s nutritional needs and physical development.

1. Age: Infancy to 4 months old

At this stage, infants have difficulty in swallowing solid foods because they lack the ability to push the food to the back of their throat. Thus, they can only have breast milk or baby formula.

The best source of nutrients is mother’s breast milk because it contains all the nutrition that the infants need. These nutrients are vital in eliminating infantile illnesses such as ear infections, diarrhoea and vomiting.

2. Age: 1 year old

This is the stage when new foods should be constantly introduced into the child’s diet. All foods shall be properly cooked, then mashed or pureed to a texture that allows the small child to swallow safely. The food temperature shall be maintained at an appropriate level to ensure the food is not too hot for the child.

Preschool Preparation: Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten

Question:

My child will be starting formal education soon. What shall I do to prepare my child for a successful kindergarten year?

1. Prepare yourself as a way to prepare your child for kindergarten

Children learn easily by imitation. If you show anxiety or worry in the presence of your child, chances are your child may pick up these negative energies easily. Thus, take some time to cool down your mind and remain calm when you leave your child at the kindergarten for the first time.

2. Teach your child on basic self care

Is your child potty-trained? Able to button clothes on his/her own? Eat with proper utensils? Wash hand without assistance?

3. Teach your child on other basic skills

Let your child learn some basic knowledge before starting kindergarten as this will build their confidence when he/she learns in class. You can teach him/her on alphabet, counting, writing his/her name and colours.

4. Develop social skills in your child

Develop the idea in your child that you and your partner will not always be with him/her. Let your child play with other children, make friends or participate in group activities that do not require your presence.

Why are these so important?

Your child will experience these:

1. Higher level of confidence
2. Able to play and work on a task independently
3. Find joy in learning and exploring
4. Positive interaction with other children

Preschool Preparation: Is My Child Ready for Preschool?

Question: 

At what age shall my child start preschool education? Is my child ready for preschool?

Answer:

Most preschools offer programme for children aged 2 and above. However, not all children who have reached that age are ready for a daily, structured, educational programme.

To decide whether your child is ready for preschool, the best way is to gather feedback from people who know him well. They can be family members, your child’s doctor or your child’s caregiver. Then, make an evaluation based on these feedbacks and those of yourself and your partner.

According to Patricia Henderson Shimm, associate director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development in New York and co-author of Parenting Your Toddler, these questions can help you to determine your child’s readiness for preschool:

1. Is your child fairly independent?

If your child possesses certain basic skills, such as potty-trained, washing his hands and eating meal without assistance and sleeping alone, then he may be ready for preschool.

2. Has he spent time away from you?

If your child has spent some time away from you and your partner, such as being looked after by a babysitter, then your child may be able to fit into the new environment more easily, without feeling the need to stay close to you when your child is left at preschool.

3. Can he work on projects on his own?

If your child enjoys drawing or art activities at home, then your kid will be able to focus on his/her class activity.

4. Is he ready to participate in group activities?

If your child is exposed to group activities before entering preschool, then your child will be more ready to play with other children in class.

5. Is he used to keeping a regular schedule?

If your child goes through day-to-day life within a regular schedule at home, then your child will feel more comfortable with the new preschool environment that follows a daily routine.

6. Does he have the physical stamina for preschool?

If your child enjoys moving from one activity to the next without feeling uncomfortable, then your child may have the stamina to go through the activities at preschool.

7. Why do you want to send him to preschool?

If your child enjoys learning new things, explore and/or play with other children but there isn’t enough stimulation available at home or daycare, then your child is ready to start preschool.