Nourishing Growth: Nutrition Guidance for Toddlers and Infants
Nutrition is the cornerstone of your child’s growth, development, and well-being. However, many parents face challenges like picky eating, food sensitivities, or concerns about their child’s nutritional intake. To help families navigate these challenges, SleepBaker is excited to introduce our Nutrition Consultation service with Mandy Sacher, a renowned paediatric nutritionist. In this blog, we’ll explore key aspects of nutrition for toddlers and infants and how our consultations can help you build lifelong healthy eating habits for your child.
Understanding Nutrition Milestones
Just like speech and motor development, nutrition evolves as your child grows. Here’s a brief look at common nutrition milestones:
- 6 - 9 Months: Introduction to solids, exploring purees and soft foods.
- 9 - 12 Months: Developing chewing skills, self-feeding, and trying finger foods.
- 12 - 24 Months: Transitioning to family meals, increasing variety, and learning to use utensils.
Every child’s journey is unique, and some may require additional support to overcome challenges like food aversions, sensory sensitivities, or behavioural struggles at mealtimes.
Introducing Nutrition Consultations at SleepBaker
Led by Mandy Sacher, our Nutrition Consultations are designed to provide personalised, practical solutions to your family’s dietary concerns. Mandy brings years of experience helping families create balanced meal plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.
What to Expect from a Nutrition Consultation
- Comprehensive Assessment: A 1-hour online consultation to review your child’s dietary history, preferences, and health goals (pre-session forms required).
- Personalised Meal Plan: Tailored menus designed to suit your child’s nutritional requirements and textural preferences.
- Easy Recipes: Simple, healthy recipes crafted to meet your child’s specific needs.
- Shopping Support: A personalised shopping list, including recommended brands and products.
- Behavioural Strategies: Expert advice to address mealtime challenges and encourage positive eating habits.
- Supplement Guidance: Recommendations to support your child’s growth and overall health.
Why Nutrition Matters Early On
The first few years of life lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Addressing dietary challenges early can prevent long-term nutritional deficiencies, improve your child’s energy levels, and even enhance focus and sleep quality.
Tips for Encouraging Healthy Eating
- Lead by Example: Model healthy eating habits by enjoying a variety of foods.
- Make Meals Fun: Use colourful plates, cut food into fun shapes, or create themed meals to engage your child.
- Stay Consistent: Offer a mix of familiar and new foods without pressure, encouraging your child to explore at their own pace.
- Involve Your Child: Let them help with meal prep, like washing veggies or stirring ingredients, to build excitement around food.
Take the First Step
If you’re struggling with picky eating, meal planning, or food sensitivities, Mandy Sacher’s expert guidance can help you transform mealtimes into a stress-free, enjoyable experience.