Essential elements for learning to eat: guidance to support families with infants and young children.

ABSTRACT: Feeding infants and young children (IYC) is an emotional commitment for caregivers as they strive to achieve a sense of mastery, goodness, and accomplishment in providing nourishment for their children. Feeding practices are important during early childhood for lifelong health and well-being as behaviors related to healthy eating are established, and there is an interrelation between growth, gross/fine motor skills, and social-emotional behavior in shaping "learning to eat" for IYC. Mealtimes and feedings are opportunities for engagement with the family, formation of healthy habits, exposure to different foods, practicing eating skills, and learning to appreciate foods. The caregivers' role is pertinent as they influence and teach children "what" and "how" to eat and play a crucial role in

SUBMITTER: Swanson WS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11983468 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature