Olusola Malomo, a Registered Dietician and Nutritionist, is urging parents to use colorful plates when feeding their babies, especially those under the age of five. Malomo emphasizes that bright colors stimulate babies and encourage them to eat well. He warns parents not to take their children's nutrition lightly, as poor food intake can negatively impact their growth, development, and increase the risk of malnutrition.
Malomo suggests that using plates and spoons with vibrant colors can make feeding more exciting for children and spark their interest in food. He advises parents to provide multiple plates for their children. Additionally, Malomo recommends responsive feeding, where parents pay attention to the quantity and quality of food their child consumes. For picky eaters, he emphasizes the importance of care and nurture during feeding.
The dietician cautions against allowing children, especially those under five, to watch television while eating, as it can be distracting and lead to reduced food intake. Malomo explains that television and toys divert children's attention from eating, and they may prefer playing or watching cartoons instead. He encourages parents to establish a habit of focused mealtime without distractions to ensure children eat adequately.
Malomo emphasizes that nutrition involves more than just providing food. It also relates to the quality, quantity, and availability of the food consumed. He advises that during feeding sessions, distractions such as television and toys should be kept away to prevent children from showing a preference for them over their meals. By doing so, the quantity and quality of food consumed can be maintained, reducing the risk of malnutrition.
Malomo highlights the significance of the feeding environment and the utensils used when feeding children. He aligns with the World Health Organization's guidance on complementary feeding, which emphasizes responsive feeding and good hygiene practices.
The first two years of a child's life are crucial for optimal nutrition, as it contributes to their overall development, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and improves survival. Malomo underscores the importance of following recommended feeding practices, such as responsive feeding, to ensure healthy growth and development in infants and young children.
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