Region: United States

Health Insurance is Important for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a critical period when a mother’s health has a significant impact on her developing child. Timely prenatal health care can help identify, treat and manage health conditions that can lead to poor birth outcomes and improve maternal health. But the converse is also true: when women do not have access to the health care and prenatal services they need, they and their babies are at risk.

Health Insurance is Important for Women After Childbirth

A mother’s health care needs do not stop with childbirth. New mothers experience a range of health conditions—ranging from physical pain to exhaustion to anxiety and depression. In addition, women in the U.S. are more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications in the weeks and months after childbirth than during pregnancy and delivery. One key factor in helping women get the health care they need after childbirth is access to health insurance.

WIC Matters During the First 1,000 Days

The 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s 2nd birthday offers a unique window of opportunity to build healthier and more prosperous futures. This is when a child’s brain begins to grow and develop and the foundations for their lifelong health are built. Good nutrition plays a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of women and children during the first 1,000 days and beyond.

Evidence-based, proven programs that reach low-income families with healthy foods and nutrition education are a critical investment in the health and well-being of moms and babies. One such program is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

Toddler Formula: What Do I Need To Know?

There’s a new product on the shelves that looks a lot like infant formula, but it’s for toddlers. Sometimes they are called “toddler formulas” or “toddler milks.” Confusing, right? Well, here’s what you need to know:

  • They are not needed for nutrition. While toddler formulas have some vitamins, they can have added sugars, which young kids definitely do not need.
  • They are not needed for development. These product claim to be good for “picky eaters,” but if kids are filling up on toddler formulas then they won’t learn how to eat well-balanced meals.
  • They are expensive. Up to 4 times more expensive than cow’s milk- yikes!

What’s a healthier alternative? A balanced diet made up of healthy drinks and a variety of healthy foods. And for “picky eaters” just remember, it can take more than 20 tries for a kid to like a new food. Try, try again!

Cheers!

Learn more at www.healthydrinkshealthykids.org.

Healthy drinks as kids grow

As kids grow, they need different drinks in different amounts to help keep them healthy. Here’s what you need to know:

  • 0-6 months: Babies need only breast milk or infant formula.
  • 6-12 months: In addition to breast milk or infant formula, offer a small amount of drinking water once solid foods are introduced to help babies get familiar with the taste – just a few sips at meal times is all it takes. It’s best for children under 1 not to drink juice. Even 100% fruit juice offers no nutritional benefits over whole fruit.
  • 12-24 months: It’s time to add whole milk, which has many essential nutrients, along with plain drinking water for hydration. A small amount of juice is ok, but make sure it’s 100% fruit juice to avoid added sugar. Better yet, serve small pieces of real fruit, which is even healthier.
  • 2-5 years: Milk and water are the go-to beverages. Look for milks with less fat than whole milk, like skim (non-fat) or low-fat (1%). If you choose to serve 100% fruit juice, stick to a small amount, and remember adding water can make a little go a long way!

Teaching kids to love healthy drinks now will have a lasting impact! Cheers!

Learn more at www.healthydrinkshealthykids.org.

5 tips for healthy kids drinks

Just because it is a “kid’s drink” does not mean that it is actually healthy for kids. Here are 5 protips for healthy drinks for healthy kids:

  1. Kick out beverages with added sugars. Even low calorie sweeteners aren’t recommended for young kids.
  2. Look for juices labeled as 100% juice. And remember, a little juice can go a long way by adding water.
  3. Knock out the caffeine. Don’t kids have enough energy anyway?
  4. Make water the go-to drink. Great to playtime, mealtime and anytime.
  5. Give the right milk for the right age. 0-1 years get breast milk or infant formula. 1-2 years get whole milk. 2+ years get low-fat (1%) or fat-free (skim) milk.

Cheers!

Learn more at www.healthydrinkshealthykids.org.

How to swap out sugary drinks

Many kids drinks have too much sugar and should be swiped out for a healthier option. Here are some tips:

  • Swap fruit-flavored drinks for 100% fruit juice or, even better, slices of fruit.
  • Instead of sports drinks use water for hydration.
  • Avoid flavored milks and stick with plain milk.
  • Steer clear of caffeinated or energy drinks … don’t kids have enough energy anyway?

When little ones have sugary drinks now, it can lead to big health and weight problems later. And when in doubt, check the nutrition label for any added sugar. If there’s sugar, swap it out!

Cheers!

Learn more at www.healthydrinkshealthykids.org.

What milk is good for my kid?

At different ages, kids need different types of milk.

  • 0-12 Months: From birth to age 1, your baby only needs breast milk or infant formula.
  • 1 Year: Starting at age 1, plain, pasteurized whole milk is good for your toddler. It is full of nutrients such as calcium, protein and vitamin D that are important for growing bodies. The recommended amount is 2 to 3 cups per day.
  • 2+ Years: At age 2, kids should transition to plain, pasteurized fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk. The recommended amount is up to 2 cups a day. Transitioning to lower fat milks helps children maintain a healthy weight. However, if your child is underweight or has other medical needs, consult with your health care provider to choose the best beverages for your child.

What about flavored milks?
Stick to plain milk. Flavored milks like chocolate and strawberry milk have too many added sugars.

What if my child cannot have cow’s milk?
When medically directed or culturally preferred, talk to your health care provider about non-dairy milks. Just remember to look for unsweetened options.

Do toddlers need a special “milk” when transitioning from breast milk/infant formula to cow’s milk?
Nope! Once your baby turns 1, she is ready for plain whole milk. Products known as “toddler formulas” or “toddler milks” often have added sugars, and most kids can get the nutrients they need from a healthy diet.

And that’s it! Keep it plain and simple. Cheers!

Learn more at www.healthydrinkshealthykids.org.

Is juice good for my kids?

Eating slices of fruit is more nutritious and satisfying for little bellies than drinking juice. But a little bit of the right juice in the right portions can be OK. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Look for 100% Fruit Juice. A lot of sugary drinks try to disguise themselves as fruit juice, but don’t be fooled by imposters. Check the ingredient list to make sure there are no added sugars.
  • Give the right amount for the right age. Fruit juice is not recommended for kids under age 1. For ages 1-3 years, no more than 4oz of 100% fruit juice per day. For ages 4-5, not more than 4-6oz of 100% fruit juice per day.
  • Healthier tips. You can help make a little juice go a long way by adding water. Or even better, switch it up. Try adding real fruit to your kids’ water.

Cheers!

Learn more at www.healthydrinkshealthykids.org.

What should my toddler drink?

From ages 1-3, your toddler only really needs two things: Water & Milk. Water is a great go-to drink throughout the day (1-4 cups of water per day). Milk is great for mealtime. Starting at age 1, plain whole milk is recommended (2-3 cups of milk per day). It has fats and nutrients that are important for your child’s rapidly growing brain. At ages 2 and 3, you can offer plain fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk (up to 2 cups of milk per day). If your little one can’t have dairy, talk to your health care provider about unsweetened alternatives. What about juice? If you choose to serve juice, use 100% fruit juice and no more than 4oz per day. Cheers!

12-24 months

Drink:

Water

  • Children between 12 and 24 months should drink 1 to 4 cups of water daily to get enough fluids.
  • The amount of water each child needs might vary from day-to-day based on how active s/he is, the weather, or the amount of fluids s/he gets from other beverages like milk or foods like soups and applesauce.

Milk

  • Children between 12 and 24 months old can be introduced to plain, pasteurized whole milk, which is full of nutrients such as calcium, protein and vitamin D that are important for growing bodies. The recommended amount is 2 to 3 cups per day.
  • Whether your one-year-old needs 2 cups or 3 will depend on how much solid food s/he eats. As children get closer to 2 years and transition to eating more food at mealtimes, they will need less milk.
  • If there is a family history of obesity or heart disease, reduced-fat (2%) or low-fat (1%) milk may be considered in place of whole milk, in consultation with your child’s pediatrician.

Limit:

100% Fruit Juice

  • Children 12 to 24 months old should drink no more than 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice per day. Adding water to 100% fruit juice can make a little bit go a long way.
  • As much as possible, children should meet their daily fruit intake by eating fruit in fresh, canned, or frozen forms without added sugars, rather than by drinking juice, as this is the best option.
  • If this is not possible, then a combination of whole fruit and 100% fruit juice is okay, as long as a child does not drink more than the upper limit of 4 ounces per day.
  • This is because juice, even 100% fruit juice, can contribute to dental cavities, and if kids drink more than is recommended, it can have other negative health impacts such as weight gain.

Avoid:

  • Children 12 to 24 months old should not drink flavored milks (e.g., chocolate, strawberry), “transition” or “weaning” formulas (sometimes called toddler milks, growing up milks, or follow up formulas), plant-based and non-dairy milks (e.g., almond, rice, oat), caffeinated beverages (e.g., soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks), low-calorie sweetened beverages (e.g., “diet” or “light” drinks, including those sweetened with Stevia or Sucralose), or sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g., soda, fruit drinks and fruit flavored drinks, fruit-ades, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened waters, and sweetened coffee and tea beverages).
  • Plant milks/non-dairy beverages are not recommended for exclusive consumption in place of milk. Evidence indicates that, with the exception of fortified soy milk, many plant-based/non-dairy milk alternatives lack key nutrients found in cow’s milk. Our bodies cannot absorb nutrients in these non-dairy milks as well as they can from regular milk. Non-dairy milks may be a good choice if a child is allergic to dairy, lactose intolerant, or is in a family that has made specific dietary choices such as abstaining from animal products. Be sure to consult with your health care provider to choose the right milk substitute to ensure that your child is still getting adequate amounts of the key nutrients found in milk, such as protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which are essential for healthy growth and development.
2-3 years

Drink:

Water

  • Children 2 to 3 years old should drink 1 to 4 cups of water daily to get enough fluids.
  • The amount of water each child needs might vary from day-to-day based on how active s/he is, the weather, or the amount of fluids s/he gets from other beverages like milk or foods like soups and applesauce.

Milk

  • Children 2 to 3 years old should transition to plain, pasteurized fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk. The recommended amount is up to 2 cups a day.
  • Transitioning to lower fat milks helps children stay within daily calorie recommendations, which helps promote a healthy weight. However, if your child is underweight or has other medical needs, consult with your health care provider to choose the best beverages for your child.

Limit:

100% Fruit Juice

  • Children 2 to 3 years old should drink no more than 4 ounces of 100% juice per day. Adding water to 100% fruit juice can make a little bit go a long way.
  • As much as possible, children should meet their daily fruit intake by eating fruit in fresh, canned, or frozen forms without added sugars, rather than by drinking juice, as this is the best option.
  • If this is not possible, then a combination of whole fruit and 100% juice is okay, as long as a child does not drink more than the upper limit of 4 ounces per day.
  • This is because juice, even 100% fruit juice, can contribute to dental cavities, and if kids drink more than is recommended, it can have other negative health impacts such as weight gain.

Avoid:

  • Children 2 to 3 years old should not drink flavored milks (e.g., chocolate, strawberry), “transition” or “weaning” formulas (sometimes called toddler milks, growing up milks, or follow up formulas), plant-based and non-dairy milks (e.g., almond, rice, oat), caffeinated beverages, low-calorie sweetened beverages (e.g. “diet” or “light” drinks, including those sweetened with Stevia or Sucralose), or sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g., soda, fruit drinks and fruit flavored drinks, fruit-ades, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened waters, and sweetened coffee and tea beverages).
  • Plant milks/non-dairy beverages are not recommended for exclusive consumption in place of milk. Evidence indicates that, with the exception of fortified soy milk, many plant-based/non-dairy milk alternatives lack key nutrients found in cow’s milk. Our bodies cannot absorb nutrients in these non-dairy milks as well as they can from regular milk. Non-dairy milks may be a good choice if a child is allergic to dairy, lactose intolerant, or is in a family that has made specific dietary choices such as abstaining from animal products. Be sure to consult with your health care provider to choose the right milk substitute to ensure that your child is still getting adequate amounts of the key nutrients found in milk, such as protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which are essential for healthy growth and development.

Learn more at www.healthydrinkshealthykids.org.