Childhood obesity is a growing problem worldwide, and is a major health concern. Obesity in children can lead to a variety of health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint pain.

That’s why it’s important to monitor your child’s diet from an early age. In this article, we’ll discuss the recommended servings for infants to avoid obesity.

What to Feed Your Infant

During the first 6 months of life, it’s recommended that babies be exclusively breastfed. Breast milk provides all the nutrients your baby needs and also offers immunity against illnesses.

For moms who can’t breastfeed, iron-fortified formula is a good alternative.

Starting at 6 months of age, you can introduce solid foods into your baby’s diet. However, it’s important to start with simple foods that are easy to digest such as rice cereal or pureed fruits and vegetables.

As your baby gets used to eating solid foods, you can gradually add more complex foods to their diet.

Recommended Servings

Below are the recommended servings for infants to avoid obesity:.

Grains

Once your baby has started eating solids, you can start introducing grains into their diet. Grains provide important nutrients such as fiber, iron, and B vitamins. Below are the recommended servings for grains:.

6-11 servings per week of iron-fortified rice cereal or oatmeal
4-7 servings per week of whole grain bread or crackers

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals that your baby needs to stay healthy. Below are the recommended servings:.

2-4 servings per day of pureed fruits or vegetables
1-2 servings of finger foods such as small pieces of fruit or cooked vegetables

Protein

Protein is important for your baby’s growth and development. Below are the recommended servings for protein:.

2-3 servings per day of pureed meats or beans
1 serving per day of finger foods such as small pieces of cooked meat or tofu

Dairy

Dairy provides important nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. Below are the recommended servings:.

2-3 servings per day of breast milk, formula or fortified soy milk

Tips for Healthy Eating Habits

In addition to following the recommended servings for infants, there are other healthy eating habits you can encourage in your child:.

Offer a variety of foods
Avoid added sugars and salt
Avoid juice and sugary drinks
Encourage family meals
Lead by example, and model healthy eating habits

Conclusion

Following the recommended servings for infants is an important step to preventing obesity and promoting a healthy lifestyle. By starting healthy eating habits at an early age, you can set your child up for a lifetime of good health.