Nutrition; The first 1000 days

It is fascinating to think that environmental factors such as nutrition from conception to the age of two can have such a profound impact on your lifelong health. There is strong research which shows that a good maternal diet is important not only for the prevention of neural tube defects (spina bifida for example) but also to set the blueprint for their baby's health and disease risk. Scientists talk about the importance of the first 1000 days in terms of a child's ability to thrive, specifically related to the growth and development of the brain.

Pregnant women are well versed in taking folic acid, but other nutrients such as Vitamin D, iron, iodine, and omega-3 are also integral for foetal development.
During my pregnancy I had 'morning' sickness (i.e. horrific all day and evening nausea) for about two months where I ate plain pasta, cheese, quorn sausages and yoghurt; not the balanced diet I normally enjoy! Luckily I was taking a supplement...and luckily the sickness only lasted 2 months as my diet was the only source of nutrition for Max!

Within these 1000 days are key stages. The weaning stage is of particular importance. Moving a baby on from breastmilk and/ or formula milk onto solids is an interesting time for babies and parents! It is also a key opportunity to expose babies to a range of different, nutritious foods. Taste exposure is critical to ensure that babies are more willing to eat a variety of wholesome foods setting them up for life, and on an aside, reducing the risk of fussy eating. It is startling to know that in 2012 the National Obesity Observatory reported that most children aged 5–15 years eat just one portion of vegetables each day, and 7% of children ate no fruit or vegetables at all. This highlights the importance of weaning babies onto a good range of fruit and vegetables (whether the parents like them or not!) at the time when they are most receptive to them.

Interestingly a study published in the journal Appetite in 2015 highlighted the improved acceptance of vegetables in quite a complex trial involving infants starting their weaning journey. The babies had repeated exposure to individual vegetables such as green beans, spinach and broccoli, which on the whole improved acceptance, and led to the babies trying and accepting other vegetables. Additionally, this team of scientists argued that whilst hiding veg in meals can lead to increased intake, the child will not learn to like, eat and recognise vegetables and their distinctive tastes. So perhaps keeping the vegetable whole rather than mixing it in with other flavours initially is of some benefit?

Over the last two decades there are countless studies which show that repeated exposure up to 10 times can increase acceptance of fruit and vegetables. So when your baby spits out foods, rejects them or simply pulls a 'what the!?' kind of face...don't give up..try that food again (and again and again!).

I was disappointed today that Max tried avocado and wasn't massively fussed about it. I LOVE avocado and am hoping it will become a staple in his diet. So based on the above he will certainly be trying it a few more times...lucky little fella.
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