10 Ways to Teach Baby to Eat Healthy

It is never too early to learn how to eat well! Teach your baby the importance of good food and ensure that your little one establishes healthy eating habits that will last her a lifetime.

The rapid rise in childhood obesity is a growing health concern in the United States. These conditions have risen to epidemic levels among all ages, including young children. One of the primary causes of overweight problems in children is poor eating habits. Interestingly, babies begin acquiring eating habits from their first bites of food. A Baylor College study even suggests that by age three, most of a child's eating preferences are established. The message here is clear—if you want your child to have healthy eating habits, it is important to focus on them early.

Developing eating habits and food preferences is a learned process, like sleeping through the night, toilet training, and other developmental skills. Ensuring your child has the ability to make healthy food choices is critical. For your child to learn, active adult involvement—parents' and caregivers' time and energy—is required.

For babies, developing healthy eating habits doesn't mean dieting, of course. Unless your baby's diet is under the supervision of a healthcare provider, it is not necessary to count calories or choose low-fat or nonfat foods. A healthy diet for babies is simply a matter of providing a good variety of healthy foods and limiting the consumption of most processed foods. Along with introducing your baby to a wholesome diet, here are some tips and activities that will support developing healthful eating habits.

1. Be a good role model.
Babies learn through mimicking you and others around them. If you talk negatively about fruits and vegetables or don't eat them much, your baby will have a tough time accepting them. Remember, your baby will respond to what you like.

2. Take your baby to the store or a local farm stand.
Begin introducing your baby to fruits and vegetables. Teach him the names of different types of produce. Talk to him about the wonderful colors, great smells, and varied textures.

3. Talk positively about produce.
Let your baby know what he is eating when you are feeding him, what vitamins and minerals he is getting, and how important nutrients are for growing bigger and stronger.

4. Encourage drinking water.
Water aids in digestion, regulates body temperature, delivers nutrients to cells, and carries away waste. As your baby is introduced to solid food, the need for water grows. If your baby is older than six months, you can safely offer her water. A good portion is two to four ounces at each meal. Get in the habit of offering water over juice (or dramatically cutting juice with two-thirds to three-fourths parts water).

5. Don't give up. A baby's tastes change daily.
Just because your baby spit out peas one day doesn't mean he hates them. Unless he has demonstrated an allergic reaction, try the food again in a couple of days—you may be pleasantly surprised.

6. Offer variety to ensure a balanced diet.
All foods contain different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Eating a variety of healthy foods will naturally lead to a balanced diet. When your baby first starts eating, quantity is not as important as variety.

7. Don't be in a rush.
Many babies are slow eaters, and this is a good habit to encourage. Many of us don't plan enough time to eat meals and often find ourselves shoveling food in—this is one of the worst eating habits that you can teach your baby. Instead, plan plenty of time for meals so you and your baby can relax and enjoy the experience.

8. Have a feeding schedule.
Babies have small tummies and fluctuating appetites, so four to six mini meals a day are recommended by many healthcare professionals, including well-known baby experts Dr. William Sears, MD, and Martha Sears, RN. Opt for frequent smaller meals over the traditional three large meals. Establishing set times for these meals will help your baby learn a routine.

9. Never force babies to clean their plates.
Your baby will eat when she is hungry, and she will eat the types of food her body needs most. During meals, allow her to eat as much or little as she wants.

10. Make mealtimes a family event.
Whenever it is practical, the whole family should eat together. This will encourage your baby to interact with others at mealtime and to begin experiencing a sense of social interaction. (Copas from: babyzone.com)