New Research From The University Of Edinburgh Calls For More To Be Done To Establish Good Eating Habits In Children's Early Years

Date: May-01-2013New Research From The University Of Edinburgh Calls For More To Be Done To Establish Good Eating Habits In Children's Early Years

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health

Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet

Article Date: 01 May 2013 - 2:00 PDT

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New Research From The University Of Edinburgh Calls For More To Be Done To Establish Good Eating Habits In Children's Early Years


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New research from The University of Edinburgh has found that in a study of 2000 families with five year olds, those children who eat the same meals as their parents are far more likely to have healthier diets than those who eat different foods. In light of the new findings, the paper recommends that government advice to families should be kept simple to help establish good eating habits in their children's early years.

The Infant & Toddler Forum, an independent team of early years' experts, has been working in this area for many years and in 2010 developed the Ten Steps for Healthy Toddlers initiative which promotes simple and concise advice that can be applied everywhere toddlers are fed. It focusses on what foods to offer and what behaviours to instil, to promote good habits for health, growth and development.

Judy More, paediatric dietitian and member of the Infant & Toddler Forum said: "Our own research shows that parents are often anxious about providing nutritious meals and snacks, with over one-third stating that having clear practical advice on how, what and how much to feed toddlers would make mealtimes easier. To address this need, we set out to review the existing evidence on toddler nutrition and produce a set of simple messages that are aligned with current government advice and promote family meals. Ten Steps for Healthy Toddlers consists of ten easy-to-follow practical steps to support families and carers with toddler mealtimes, looking at behaviours as well as nutrition."

In developing the Ten Steps, the Infant & Toddler Forum worked in collaboration with healthcare professional bodies and is working with partners to ensure the widest distribution to parents, carers and healthcare professionals.
Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.