Recognizing the difference between an infant who is a happy spitter and one who is ill is important. Happy spitters are generally healthy and gaining weight. On the other hand, an infant who is excessively irritable, has diarrhea, respiratory problems, rashes, vomiting, a poor appetite, or weight loss should be seen by a physician, Lifschitz said. If so, you're not alone. The food groups in greatest need of attention are fruits and vegetables, dairy products and whole grains.
Busy lifestyles can make ensuring the quality of children's diets very challenging.
Parents, daycare providers, school cafeterias, restaurants, playmates' families, and children themselves influence the nutritional soundness of their diet, said Demory-Luce. Eating on the run, skipping meals and poor snacking habits can also be a problem. Breakfast eaters have a better overall diet, less trouble concentrating and fewer behavior problems in school. Breakfast should provide 20 to 25 percent of a child's daily caloric and nutritional needs and contain arbohydrates, protein and some fat. Think smart snacks.