Healthy infants and toddlers have healthier future

Healthy infants and toddlers have healthier futures

Babies who are breastfed and toddlers who tuck into a range of veges, fruit, cereals, meat and dairy products, are on their way to a healthy adulthood, says Plunket, in recognition of Well Child Week (subs 10 - 16 May).

Plunket clinical adviser, Trish Jackson-Potter, says healthy foods and exercise are essential to a child's development and future.

"Children are mimics of adult behaviour and parents can be great role models. Through play and activity they can help their children develop skills, such as throwing and catching balls, running and jumping.

"While television and computers are popular ways to spend time, active play is important for children's physical and social learning.

"When it comes to diet, from the time children are about a year old, they should be offered the same food as the rest of family and whanau.

"Parents should encourage children to eat a range of foods, including plenty of fruit and vegetables. Children may prefer meals with vegetables cut into shapes and meatballs or sliced meat, making it easier to feed themselves.

"It's best for children when mealtimes are full of fun, food and conversation, without the interference of television," says Trish Jackson-Potter.

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