Infant and young child feeding is a key area to improve child survival and promote healthy growth and development. The first 2 years of a child’s life are particularly important, as optimal nutrition during this period lowers morbidity and mortality, reduces the risk of chronic disease, and fosters better development overall.

Just as poor dietary habits are linked to chronic diseases that begin at an early age, research shows that good nutrition habits early in life can lead to positive outcomes both mentally and physically. To prevent obesity and other chronic diseases during childhood, early nutrition education should begin during the first two years of life.

States and communities can promote and support early child nutrition (ECN) in early care and education settings in many ways. ECN includes breastfeeding support, responsive feeding, and opportunities for children to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods.

Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence is important for proper growth and development and to prevent various health conditions. 1,2 The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025 recommend that people aged 2 years or older follow a healthy eating pattern that includes the following 2: A variety of fruits and vegetables. Whole grains.

Nutrition for kids is based on the same ideas as nutrition for adults. Everyone needs the same types of things, such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat. These are called nutrients. Children need different amounts of specific nutrients at different ages.