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The overall mood of a child depends to a large extent on the work of the digestive system. That is why the proper way of feeding an infant from the very beginning of its life is so important. What is the best food for an infant in the first stage of life and what else, apart from a tailored diet, affects the baby’s well-being? The answers are provided by Katarzyna Rabenda – psychologist, nutritional advisor at BebiKlub.pl.
More than we think depends on the belly
The digestive system plays a key role in the development of a child – it is there that the digestion and absorption of nutrients that support the development of a young organism take place. In addition, the ingredients provided with food every day give your child energy and strength to play. But that’s not all – the proper functioning of the baby’s digestive system contributes to a good night’s sleep, and during the day – to a good mood.
The intestines, which are an important part of the digestive system, are called the second human brain. Why? Because they are entwined by a complex network of neurons, they contain numerous neurotransmitters. In addition, as much as 95% of serotonin, the happiness hormone, is produced in the intestines. That’s why your little one cries when he’s hungry or has digestive problems, and is happy when his tummy is full.
Harmonious tummy work and a good mood go hand in hand
The human digestive system – with so many tasks to perform – requires special care. To ensure the proper functioning of the tummy, a toddler needs a well-balanced diet, rich in nutrients such as calcium, iodine and iron, as well as vitamins, including vitamin D, fiber, fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
In the first months of life, the immature digestive system is not yet able to cope with any type of food (it is fully functional only around the age of 5-7). For this reason, according to the most important scientific societies, incl. The Polish Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition of Children, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the ESPGHAN Nutrition Committee, the food that best meets the nutrient requirements for the first months of a child’s life is mother’s milk. It is recommended as a food switch for the first 6 months of a baby’s life. Mother’s milk is a source of the most important ingredients that have an invaluable influence on the development of, among others, digestive, immune and nervous systems.
When breastfeeding is impossible for various legitimate reasons, nutritionists recommend that you give your baby an age-appropriate formula. Mothers who cannot breastfeed should give their babies modified milk to support their baby’s development. Such a product should contain, for example, minerals, e.g. calcium, vitamins and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
The latest research shows that caregivers have no doubts that a baby’s happiness starts with the belly. Seeing this relationship, the vast majority of modern parents, the so-called millennials (70 percent) declare that they care about the diet of their offspring. This is due to the growing awareness of the importance of proper nutrition in the first 1000 days of life – the period in which the young body, including its digestive system, is developing very intensively. Undoubtedly, a properly functioning belly is the child’s joy, and thus the satisfaction and peace of the whole family. It is worth adding that, according to both respondents and psychologists, a happy childhood is built every day. The time spent with the child, full of tenderness and playing together, is particularly important in this period. Satisfying the need for closeness gives the baby a sense of security and strengthens the bond with its caregivers.
This is important!
In the first years of life, it is the parents who should accustom the child to the constant rhythm of the day – the infant likes to function according to a specific pattern. For example, repeated hours of feeding will give him a sense of security, and thus – affect his well-being.
Important information
Breastfeeding is the most appropriate and cheapest way of feeding infants and is recommended for young children along with a varied diet. Mother’s milk contains the nutrients necessary for the proper development of the baby and protects it against diseases and infections. Breastfeeding gives the best results when the mother is properly nourished during pregnancy and lactation, and when there is no unjustified feeding of the baby. Before deciding to change the feeding method, the mother should consult her doctor.
Read also:
- The 7 most common health problems associated with breastfeeding
- 10 facts about breastfeeding. A few will surprise you
- How much should a newborn eat? How often do you feed your baby?