New Zealand Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Infants and Toddlers (0-2years) - A background paper

The New Zealand Ministry of Health has released the revised 2008 guidelines for feeding healthy infants and toddlers.  The paper is written as a resource for health professionals  (nurses, dietitians, doctors), child care providers, health educators and teachers.

It recommends:-

• Exclusive breast feeding till around 6 months and continued to one year or beyond.
• Introduction of solids when the infant  is developmentally ready at around 6 months
• The use of the new WHO Growth standards to monitor growth and development
• No delay in introducing common food allergens ( such as egg white, peanuts, milk, fish, wheat) to all infants whether at high, low or no risk of allergies (in line with ESPGHAN recommendations).

There are 11 guideline statements on feeding infants and toddlers. The paper also includes information on the cultural and dietary practises of Maori and Pacific Islanders and other population groups; vegetarians; physical activity; obesity; Vitamin D; infant formula. Although written for New Zealand, it is a useful resource for Australian practitioners.  It is available online at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/0-2-food-and-nutrition-guidelines-may2008