Helping Children Grow Healthy and Strong

Paying attention at what children are eating and what kind of activities they are involved is a must. Encouraging them to follow a healthy life style is a must to help them grow into strong and healthy individuals. Read on to know more.Children thrive on numerous nutrients which together work to help them grow healthy and strong. Along with nutrition, there are certain other factors also which work to help a child become fit and strong. Nowadays lot of emphasis is being given on helping children have improved state of mind as well as body.Tips for Raising Healthy InfantsBreastfeedingBreast feed your infants as and when recommended. It includes everything a child needs for proper growth and development. It is easy to digest and helps your child fight diseases.Formula FeedingIn the absence of breast milk, try to give your child formula milk as prescribed by your paediatrician.Doctor VisitsTo keep your infant well, pay regular visit to the paediatrician. Make sure your child gets all necessary vaccinations to fight diseases.Tips for Raising Healthy ToddlersMake Meal Time a Fun TimeHelp your toddler to eat healthy food by making meal time, fun time. Think of different ways to encourage your child to eat fresh fruits and other sources of nutrients depending on her age.Follow Oral HygieneTake care of your child’s teeth and make her brush at least twice daily.Encourage ActivityEncourage your child to run and play, jump a rope or do whichever activities she likes.Tips for Raising Healthy PreschoolersFollow a Proper ScheduleMake sure meal and snack time are fixed at regular intervals. A healthy schedule will help your child grow healthy and stronger as well as maintain a healthy lifestyle. Become a role model by eating healthy food yourself.Take Care of Your Child’s EyesPreschoolers spend a lot of time in front of TV or with mobile phones. Keep a close watch on your child’s vision. It is difficult to figure out if a very young child has trouble seeing. If you figure out that there might be any problem, do not hesitate or waste time. See an eye specialist.Encourage CreativityEngage your child in creative work and play rather than letting her spend hours watching television. Do not allow your child below 2 years to spend too much of time watching TV or playing games on mobile phones. Make sure she takes a break every 30 minutes.Importance of Various NutrientsWhen kids’ nutrition is discussed there are five main nutrients which should be given utmost importance. Let us take a look at them.Calcium, which helps maximise bone growth and makes the skeleton stronger during childhood and beyond.Since Vitamin D helps in proper absorption of calcium, let your child receive by spending sometime in early morning sunlight.Protein is part of every tissue in the body and so, sufficient amount of protein is required daily for proper growth of your child.Kids need fibre for good nutrition and healthy growth.Antioxidants like vitamin C and E, beta carotene and essential minerals should also be included in your child’s diet.Iron, a crucial element for your child’s growth, plays a significant role in brain development also.Importance of Playing OutdoorsResearches show that children who play outdoors at least for one hour daily are healthier and stronger. Playing outdoors helps children get connected to the natural world. It helps coordination, encourages creativities and active imaginations as well as helps kids maintain healthy weight. Unstructured outdoor activities encourage social skills also. When children play together, they learn to take turns as well as to share as part of the game.In addition to taking into account the tips mentioned here, you should pay a visit to the paediatrician regularly so that you know that your child is growing well. Avoid comparing with other children’s growth and strength. Every child is different.How to help children grow healthy and strong? Which nutrients are essential for healthy growth of children? What kinds of activities are essential to help children stay physically fit? Discuss here.