Steps to build up child health

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Fahmida Hashem :
So many parents-to-be say they are simply hoping for healthy children, I know deep down that many would prefer to go a step further and have disease resistant babies. The super healthy baby of the future may not be that far away and they could truly mirror a super baby.
Now we should know what’s are the necessary step for build a super baby. These are:
Early initiation of breastfeeding (Colostrum within 1 hour after birth)
Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 month (no milk, sugar, honey)
Continue breastfeeding for 2 years with Proper Complementary feeding Colostrum, the thin yellow ‘pre-milk’ that flows from the breasts during the first hour after birth, is especially rich in disease-fighting antibodies. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is recommended by the WHO. Babies who had been breastfed for six months got most of the benefits enjoyed by those who were fed for longer. Mothers should breastfeed for as long as possible.
Breast milk contains turbo-charged immunity-enhancing antibodies and white blood cells. Nursing guards against allergies, diarrhoea, pneumonia, meningitis, urinary-tract infections, and sudden infant death syndrome. Studies show that it may also enhance your baby’s brain and vision power because it contains essential fatty acid DHA and pro-biotic Lactobacillus reuteri.
It is widely known that breastfed babies are better protected against chest and ear infections, are at less risk of sudden infant death and are less likely to become obese, but it is interesting to see the benefits of breastfeeding for a prolonged period of time not only benefit the baby in the early years, but also translate into increased intelligence and improved earning ability later in life.
It is important to note that breastfeeding is one of many factors that can contribute to a child’s outcomes, however, this study emphasizes the need for continued and enhanced breastfeeding promotion so expectant mothers are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. Furthermore, once mothers have given birth, we must ensure they are properly supported to continue breastfeeding for as long as they are able to.
Now; it is an exciting milestone when your babe is ready for solids. But just what kind of Complementary food should you feed her in the first year? The options are almost endless, but you can’t go wrong with these healthy choices.
Firstly, your baby is born with a natural supply of iron, but it will be depleted by the time she is around six months old, so introducing iron-rich foods is essential. One that fits the bill: iron-fortified cereal. It doesn’t have to be the traditional first food of rice cereal – oatmeal and barley are good options too – just make sure you start with a single-grain formula.
There is no baby super food – but sweet potatoes come pretty close. According to The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet, they are one of the most nutritious foods for your baby. Why? They are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A – and that is important for good vision, healthy skin, normal growth and protection from infections. Plus, many babies like the soft, pudding-like texture of pureed sweet potatoes. Best age for sweet potatoes is six months and older.
Meat like chickens, an excellent source of protein, as well as iron, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and zinc. Just make sure it is pureed to a smooth texture. Best age for meat is 10 months and older.
Beets are a good source of folic acid, high in potassium and beta-carotene, and they are a sweet veggie – which babies take a liking to quickly. Roast or steam them until they are super-soft; then mash them. best age for beets is 11 months and older.
Honey is linked to infant botulism, an illness that can be fatal. The tummies of babies under the age of one simply can’t deactivate the botulism spores that might be in honey, so avoid this food until your little one has passed her first birthday.
So, this is the way and coordination to healthy feeding for your infant. Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments and those who survive may be locked into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth. Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in infant health over the past 30 years and is one of six countries that are on track to achieve the MDG for reducing child mortality. Super baby’s generation would help to reached MDG goal (4).
Good news is that; the initiative about super babies has been well received in Bangladesh. I hope that the article will be useful for that mom who wants to make their babies super healthy. If those parents are succeeding to build a generation of super babies then we have the power to make super generation. n

(Fahmida Hashem is a nutritionist)

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