Infant Nutrition: Give Your Baby a Healthy Start
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011All parents want the best for your new baby and good nutrition allows parents to give their baby a good start. Generally, parents do not think about how they can influence the health of their babies, including the immune system through nutrition. Below are some tips for parents who want to support the development of an infant’s immune system during pregnancy and early years.
* During pregnancy, a mother should remember that what you eat affect your child before and after birth. A good source of vitamins and minerals and proper hydration can help the mother to stay healthy.
To help develop the immune system of an infant, experts recommend that pregnant women eat food rich in protein such as soy, lean meat and vegetables, along with anti oxidant rich foods like broccoli, red potatoes and cranberries.
* The first year, before the birth of a developing baby receives antibodies from its mother. Maternal antibodies provide early protection for the developing infant, but rapidly falls after birth . A baby starts to develop its own antibodies decay as those who gave their mother.
One reason why breast-feeding is recommended for at least the first year of life is because breast milk is the only way we can pass these protective antibodies to her infant after birth. “These antibodies may help the health of an infant,” says Dalena, nutritionist, mother of two and author of “healthy food for healthy kids: a practical guide to nutrition and tasty for your child.” “But if the mother chooses to feed an infant through formulas or supplements, you should find an iron-rich formula similar to breast milk as Similac Advance.”
Some infant formulas provide specific compounds called nucleotides breast milk. Clinical research shows that the nucleotide mixture of Similac Advance patented help support the development of a baby’s immune system .
