best foods to promote a child's growth

Ensuring your child receives proper nutrition isn’t just about meeting their dietary needs—it plays a crucial role in their physical and mental growth. By providing nutrient-rich foods, you can support their daily activities efficiently and effectively.

In this article, you'll learn how to track your child's growth milestones and get practical tips on maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.

How to Ensure Your Child is Growing Normally?

Monitoring your child’s development is essential. Regular visits to the pediatrician, tracking motor and cognitive skills, and keeping an eye on their weight and height can help you assess their progress. A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is also vital in supporting their development during these critical years.

First Month

• Hands near the face

• Head movement from side to side

• Firmly clenched fists

• Response to surrounding sounds

• Recognition of familiar faces

2 to 3 Months

• Smoother arm and leg movements

• Pushing up with hands when lying on the stomach

• Raising the head

• Repeating sounds they hear

• Opening hands and trying to grab objects

• Following objects with their eyes

4 to 6 Months

• Rolling onto their back

• Holding their head steady without support

• Imitating movements and facial expressions

• Laughing and cooing

• Recognizing familiar people and objects

• Responding to their name

• Sitting upright without support by the end of the sixth month

7 to 9 Months

• Expressing emotions through sounds

• Enjoying peek-a-boo games and searching for hidden objects

• Understanding simple words like "no"

• Recognizing favorite toys

• Pointing at objects

10 to 11 Months

• Saying first words like "Mama" and "Papa"

• Supporting themselves to stand using furniture

• Moving to a seated position without assistance

• Grabbing, shaking, and throwing objects

• Showing interest in exploring their surroundings

One Year Old

• Taking a few steps unassisted

• Standing and walking while holding onto furniture

• Holding and using objects like a cup or crayon

• Repeating words they hear

• Imitating gestures

• Babbling sounds resembling real words

Tracking these milestones will help you ensure your child is developing normally. If you have any concerns about their growth, consult a pediatrician for further evaluation.

Proper Nutrition for Infants

A baby’s nutritional needs evolve over time, so it's important to understand how to meet them at each stage.

First 6 Months: Breastfeeding or Formula

Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that strengthen immunity. If breastfeeding isn’t an option, fortified formula milk is a good alternative.

4 to 6 Months: Introducing Solid Foods

• Start introducing solids gradually based on the baby’s readiness and doctor’s advice.

• Begin with simple, easily digestible foods.

6 to 8 Months: Expanding Variety

• Introduce mashed fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, bananas, and apples.

• Introduce new foods gradually and monitor for any allergic reactions.

8 to 12 Months: Adding Proteins

• Introduce mashed meats and eggs.

• Offer dairy products like yogurt but avoid cow’s milk as a primary drink until after one year.

• Gradually increase the texture of solid foods to encourage chewing.

One Year and Beyond: Eating Family Meals

• At this stage, children can eat most family foods with modifications to prevent choking.

• Avoid adding excessive sugar or salt to their meals.

• Continue monitoring weight and growth with the pediatrician.

Foods to Avoid for Infants

• Water before 6 months – Babies get enough hydration from breast milk or formula.

• Honey before one year – To prevent infant botulism.

• Cow’s milk before one year – It can cause digestive issues.

• Small solid foods – To prevent choking hazards.

• Juices – High in sugar and can decrease appetite for nutrient-rich foods.

Best Infant Formula Milk Options and Their Differences

1. Novalac Aminova (400g) – For Severe Cow’s Milk Allergy 

• Suitable from birth to 1 year

• Supports digestion and healthy growth

• Ideal for infants with cow’s milk protein allergy 

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2. Nestlé Alfamino Powder (400g) – Hypoallergenic Formula

• Suitable for infants with milk protein allergies

• Contains essential amino acids

• Lactose and gluten-free 

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3. Neocate Junior (400ml) – With Probiotics & Vanilla Flavor

• Suitable for children above one year

• Allergen-free amino acid-based formula

• Supports digestion and immune health 

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4. Nestlé Peptamen Junior (400g) – Nutritional Supplement 

• For children aged 1 to 10 years

• Helps children with digestive disorders

• Provides essential proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins 

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5. Fantomalt (400g) – Weight Gain Supplement

• Rich in carbohydrates for energy

• Enhances appetite

• Gluten and lactose-free  

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6. PediaSure (18 x 200ml) – Nutritional Supplement

• Contains essential nutrients for healthy growth

• Enhances appetite

• High-quality protein source

• Strengthens immunity with antioxidants

• Available in strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla flavors 

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At Rakeeza, we provide a wide range of infant formula, healthcare products, beauty essentials, and medical devices in Saudi Arabia. Our goal is to offer the best services and health products for our customers with ease and convenience.