Train Your Kids to Eat Peanuts Early, New US Diet Guidelines Recommend
This is the first time the U.S. government has added babies and toddlers from birth to 2 years of age to its official dietary and nutritional guidelines. In particular, federal guidelines are now weighing in on when to introduce solid foods, when to introduce common allergens like peanuts, and what to avoid altogether.
Last week, the 2020-2025 edition of the Food Guide for Americans was released and is written primarily for a professional audience. He “provides advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutrient needs, promote health and prevent disease,” and “reflects current nutritional science,” according to his website .
The inclusion of guidance for young children marks a departure from previous versions of the guidance. An advisory report prepared by a committee of nutritional scientists in July said that “exposure to food during the first 1000 days of life not only promotes long-term health, but also helps shape taste preferences and food choices.” This report, published by a committee of independent nutrition experts united by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS), helped form the final recommendations.
From birth to six months
Not surprisingly, USDA and HHS guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding (or breastfeeding) for the first six months. If this is not possible, an iron-fortified infant formula is recommended.
The USDA and HHS also recommend waiting “up to about six months” before giving babies solid foods as a supplement to breast milk or infant formula. This is slightly different from the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, which recommend starting complementary foods between four and six months of age. In any case, these foods should be nutrient-rich and developmental.
Early introduction of eggs and peanuts
In 2019, the AAP moved from recommending delayed allergen administration to recommending early allergen administration, especially for infants at risk of developing food allergies. New dietary guidelines for Americans agree with these guidelines, stating that allergenic foods, including peanuts, eggs, dairy products, tree nuts, wheat, crustaceans, shellfish, fish, and soy, should be fed with other complementary foods as they are introduced. into the baby’s diet. (However, cow’s milk as a drink should not be administered until at least 12 months of age.)
If your child is at high risk of peanut allergy, the Dietary Guidelines recommend early introduction – after consulting with the child’s pediatrician:
If your child has severe eczema, egg allergy, or both (conditions that increase the risk of peanut allergy), age-appropriate peanut foods should be included in the diet as early as 4 to 6 months of age. This will lower your risk of developing peanut allergies. Caregivers should consult with the infant’s health care provider before giving food containing peanuts. A blood test or skin prick may be recommended to determine if peanuts should be given to the infant, and if so, what is the safest route to give them.
Avoid Added Sugar
We usually celebrate a child’s first birthday by putting a cake the size of their heads (or larger!) In front of them and letting them fill their faces as much as possible, or staring at them in confusion for a while. bye, like my son. However, this is a special case and children should not eat regularly. The Nutritional Guide recommends avoiding feeding foods or beverages with added sugar to children under the age of two:
There is little room for added sugar in the diet of infants and young children. This is because the nutritional requirements for infants and young children are quite high relative to their size, but the amount of complementary foods they consume is low. Complementary foods should be nutrient-dense and free of additional calories from added sugars.
The guide also recommends avoiding foods high in sodium, including savory snacks, commercial toddler foods, and processed meats.
View full USDA and HHS guidelines for all ages here .
This article was originally published in July 2020 and has been updated on January 4, 2021 to reflect current information.