The Importance of Nutrition in Infancy: A Review

Abstract

Nutrition has been linked to positive child development and nutritional status. In this review paper we briefly describe the role of exclusive breastfeeding and its importance in the brain development of infants. Breastfeeding has important for the development of central nervous system in infants First, six months of Breastfeeding is essential for the newborn child for improving the immune system of a newborn. Breastfeeding serves significant health benefits for the infant, promotes mother-infant bonding so Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for around six months. Then we briefly describe the role of Complementary feeding, its importance in the physical development of the child in earlier life. This is also termed as ‘weaning food’, which has been used to describe the curtailment of breastfeeding. Complementary feeding entails the addition of solid foods to the diet, alongside, without replacement for the milk component. Apart from nutrition and feeding practices, certain other rearing practices also influence the health of infants and are widely prevalent among families or communities. Familiarity with rearing practices is of considerable significance to the promotion of infant health. The review also focuses on good nutrition for breastfeeding women, who have additional nutritional requirements. Breastfeeding mothers have increased energy needs and typically require additional energy intake. Apart from the energy the additional intake of good fat and vitamin C and minerals essential fatty acids etc. requirements are increases.