Helping infants and children achieve the right nutrition in the right doses
Infants and children deserve the best possible start in life, which is what every parent and guardian wants for their child.
The time leading up to a child’s second birthday is characterised by rapid growth and development. Good nutrition plays a vital role during this period, helping to prevent obesity and some non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
This first 1,000 days of life, from conception to the second birthday, is described by UNICEF as a unique period when the foundations of optimum health, growth, and neurodevelopment across the lifespan are established.
According to research published last year by the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative, while most children in Ireland have a healthy weight (73 per cent), a significant percentage (17.7 per cent) are either overweight or obese. The research, commissioned by the HSE, also found there was a greater prevalence of excess weight in disadvantaged schools.
However, the report also noted that the prevalence of obesity in primary school children is continuing to decrease year on year, and that childhood obesity is largely preventable through effective policies that work to support healthy growth and development.
The Irish Heart Foundation (IHF), which is working to halve childhood obesity by 2030, warned that obesity “represents the greatest single threat to the health and wellbeing of children in Ireland today and drastic action is needed to protect them.”
“Without drastic action to change their futures, many will be left to face lives dominated by chronic disease and long-term ill health in advance of premature death,” its childhood obesity manifesto stated.
“State-funded research estimates that overweight and obesity will ultimately kill 85,000 of this generation of children on the island of Ireland. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says we are on course to become the most obese nation in Europe. The evidence that something catastrophic has begun is overwhelming – children as young as eight are presenting with high blood pressure and teenagers with a cardiovascular age as high as 60.”
As part of its manifesto, the IHF recommended support and advice for pregnant women in relation to physical activity levels and healthy eating, as well as addressing any weight-related issues before and after giving birth. Investment should also be made in a programme to significantly increase breastfeeding rates.
Breastmilk is undoubtedly best for baby, something which is acknowledged by the WHO, which recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. It is rich in the antibodies, essential enzymes, and hormones vital for a baby’s healthy growth. A remarkable substance, exclusive breastfeeding may help in the prevention of allergies and promote the development of healthy gut microbiota.
However, it is also important to note that breastfeeding is not always possible for a variety of reasons, but there are a range of formula milks available from trusted brands.
Food and formula manufacturer Danone, which has an extensive range of baby formula products based on years of scientific research and innovation, fully supports the WHO’s recommendation on breastfeeding.
However, if a baby is not being breastfed or if combination feeding is being used, Aptamil First Infant Milk is suitable from birth. It is available from all major supermarkets and pharmacies and comes in a range of forms. There is also Aptamil Comfort Baby Milk, which is formulated for the dietary management of colic and constipation in bottle-fed babies. It is nutritionally complete and is suitable as the sole source of nutrition from birth to six months or as part of a weaning diet from six months.
Another product in the range is Aptamil Anti-Reflux. This is available for babies who experience frequent reflux and regurgitation. It is a specially thickened formula, designed to help feeds stay down and is suitable from birth.
For older infants, Aptamil Follow On Milk with Pronutra-Advance is specifically tailored to complement a weaning diet and contains vitamin D to support the normal function of the immune system. It is only for babies over six months as part of a healthy, varied weaning diet. For toddlers aged between one and two, there is Aptamil Growing Up milk. This is specifically tailored to support toddlers’ nutritional needs and contains vitamin D to support the normal function of the immune system.
SMA Nutrition is another trusted brand and has been a leader in baby nutrition research for over a century. SMA Advanced First Infant Milk is a nutritionally complete breast milk substitute, enriched with Omega 3 and other nutrients. It is an easy to digest, nutritionally complete breast milk substitute, and is SMA’s most advanced infant milk yet.
From six months, parents may want to consider moving to SMA Advanced Follow-on Milk, specifically tailored to support a weaning diet. A fortified milk drink, it is enriched with iron to help support normal cognitive development in a baby’s brain, containing a blend of vitamins, including A, C, and D to help support the normal function of a baby’s immune system. Vitamin D and calcium are also present to support the normal growth and development of bones. Omega 3, 6 and iodine are also present to help support normal growth.
SMA Pro Growing Up Milk is nutritionally enriched to help support children’s to grow healthily until their fourth birthday. It contains vitamin D and calcium to support the normal growth and development of bones, Omega 3 and 6, and iodine. It also contains a blend of vitamins, including A, C, and D to help support the normal function of the immune system. Like other products, SMA Pro Growing Up Milk is also enriched with iron to help support normal cognitive development in a child’s brain.
These formula products can be provided to infants through a huge range of bottles, sterilisers, and pacifiers.
In terms of supporting general health, Vitabiotics Wellbaby Multi-vitamin Drops are ideal for babies from one to 12 months. They provide a safe and balanced comprehensive range of 16 nutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B6, B12, D, zinc, and Swiss Alpine malt extract. Iron, which contributes to normal cognitive development in children, is also included.
Wellbaby Multi-Vitamin Drops have been produced with a baby’s special needs in mind and offer a carefully formulated nutritional safeguard during a time when babies have a high nutrient requirement in relation to body size.
Given Ireland’s northern latitude, getting enough vitamin D through sunlight alone can be a challenge for young Irish children. As the HSE noted in its advice to healthcare professionals, people in Ireland of all ages have low levels of vitamin D. Moreover, it is not possible to get all the vitamin D needed safely from the sun and only a few foods contain vitamin D. And as infants between 0-12 months grow very quickly they may have a greater risk of developing vitamin D deficiency.
Baby Vit D3 Pure Vitamin D Drops are specially developed for newborn babies, infants, and young children to help meet their daily vitamin D requirements. It contains no preservatives, no parabens, no artificial colours, no flavourings, no peanut additives, no sugars or lactose, and no gluten, thus having a negligible risk of an allergic reaction.
Vitabiotics Wellbaby Vitamin D Drops are another available option. They have been carefully developed by Vitabiotics nutritional experts and are ideal for infants aged from four months to five years old.
Optibac Baby Drops are a premium liquid supplement designed to enhance a baby’s natural gut flora from birth. Formulated with vegan-friendly ingredients, Baby Drops feature Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, a scientifically-studied strain. It can be given to infants from birth to three years old.
Introducing a baby to solid foods, ‘weaning’, usually takes place around the age of four to six months, after a baby begins to show some signs that they are ready to start eating solid food, according to the HSE. There is a wide range of weaning products available, including from Milupa Pure Baby Rice. It is recommended by healthcare professionals in Ireland for babies who are ready to begin weaning. Its smooth, runny texture is an ideal first spoonful for a baby. Similar to all Milupa cereals, it has no added sugar or salt as well as no artificial colours, flavourings, or preservatives. There is also the Baby’s First Creamy Porridge and Banana Bedtime product, which provide a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals.
Another trusted brand is Cow & Gate. Its baby rice uses the highest quality ingredients, grown by trusted farmers. With no added sugar or salt, the gentle flavours and smooth textures are a great way to introduce a baby to breakfast.
Aptamil also has a range of weaning products. One of these is Creamed Banana Porridge which contains milled corn, rice, and banana porridge with milk. The smooth texture makes it suitable as a first weaning food. The deliciously creamy banana porridge comes in a resealable pack for safe and easy storage, contains added vitamin A, C, and D, is gluten-free, contains no preservatives, no added sugar or salt, and is suitable for vegetarians. Another variety is Aptamil Organic Baby Rice Cereal.
Another globally recognised brand is Heinz. Its Heinz by Nature range offers delicious baby foods, including spaghetti bolognese, sweet potato and tender chicken, and cheese and tomato pasta.
Ella’s Kitchen is also a great brand. One of its many products is Berry Yummy Yoghurt. It is packed full of berries, Greek style yoghurt, bananas, and apples. It has gently pasteurised smooth and creamy yoghurt. It is suitable for babies and toddlers from six months. It contains no added salt or sugar and contains naturally occurring sugars.
Last but not least, there is also the iconic product Farley’s Rusks Original, a classic and trusted choice for introducing solid food to babies. Farley’s Rusks have been loved by parents and babies for generations. The rusks have a gentle flavour and a satisfyingly firm texture which allows babies to easily hold and chew on them. And as well as weaning food products, there are a range of beakers and baby cutlery available to make meal-times easier and more fun.
