Essential eating for under fives

Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life and with this in mind the Health Promotion Agency has produced Getting a good start - healthy eating from one to five, an essential guide for parents.

Research shows that what children eat and drink when they are young can affect their health for many years to come so developing good eating habits at an early age is crucial.

Angela McComb, Regional Health Promotion Manager for Nutrition at the Health Promotion Agency said: "This is a really valuable information booklet for parents. It is important for parents to be aware that healthy eating for young children is not the same as for adults. The leaflet includes information on how to provide a healthy, balanced diet for children from one to five years, suitable snacks and drinks, feeding the vegetarian child, making the most of mealtimes and coping with fussy eaters.

"The food we eat can either promote good health and wellbeing or contribute to ill health. Poor eating patterns can lead to poor dental health and an increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, some cancers, obesity and diabetes. These health problems are common in Northern Ireland, even among children and young people. For example, one survey found that one in three boys and one in four girls aged 12 years carried excess weight.

"A recent survey by the Agency has revealed poor eating habits among children aged 5-11. For instance, just over one in 10 of the children in the survey eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Almost half the girls and two out of five boys in the same age group eat confectionery at least once a day. It is therefore vital that parents are provided with the necessary information to ensure that children get all they need for healthy growth and development.

"This leaflet is part of the Agency's ongoing work focusing on the importance of nutrition for young children. It follows on from the very popular leaflet Weaning made easy, also produced by the Agency and complements the guidelines for childcare providers in the document Nutrition matters for the early years," said Angela.

The information and advice provided in the resource is based on the latest scientific evidence and has been written in association with Community Dietitians and Health Visitors from the Health and Social Services Trusts, the Northern Ireland Paediatric Group Dietitians and the Regional Oral Health Promotion Group. Getting a good start is available from Central Health Promotion Resource Services in the four local Health and Social Services Boards.

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