The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Women Infants and Children’s Program (WIC) and now for the first time ever, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend nutrient-dense foods, like beef, to make the most of every bite for infants and toddlers. Introducing first foods can be an exciting, yet often overwhelming, transition for many parents and caregivers. Mealtime decisions can have a lifelong impact on a child’s health and influence their future eating habits, which is why every bite counts during the early years.

Registered dietitian and mom, Amy Cifelli joins me to talk about optimizing nutrition as infants and toddlers begin their eating journey. She shares how to choose first foods that support learning, growth and development and how to create positive eating experiences for the entire family, no matter your child’s age.

This episode covers:

• • Key nutrition recommendations in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
  • Importance of iron for child health
  • Developmental milestones for introducing complementary first foods
  • Infant and toddler feeding techniques
  • Nutrition and health benefits of early introduction of beef
  • Benefits of creating a positive family food environment

Thanks, Amy Cifelli, MS, RDN!

XOXO to my listeners. Please continue to share, Subscribe, Rate, Review and comment.

Subscribe to www.drcandicemd.com to stay connected and get updates. It won’t cost you anything and I promise not to bother you too much, just the occasional new episode and maybe a blog article. Just trying to help you take a few “kid health moments.”

Visit the contact page to send me your comments, show ideas and questions, or inquiries to work with me. Let me put “a little kid health” on your next event or appear on your show as a kid health expert.

Click the episode links below to listen to this episode!

Episode Links:

Apple Podcast

Soundcloud

Google Play Music

Resources:

For more information about the importance of good nutrition during the early years, visit beefitswhatsfordinner.com/earlyyears. There you can browse for family-friendly recipes and download helpful resources like the Make Every Bite Count infographic or infant and toddler feeding tip sheets.

*This episode has been a collaboration between DrCandiceMD and The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association on behalf of The Beef Checkoff, “Beef It’s What’s For Dinner.” As a pediatrician and consultant, my role is to share the science in support for beef’s role in a healthy diet.

The advice provided is for general educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or care. Parents should consult their physician or health care provider before starting solid foods or pursuing a new health- or nutrition-related routine.