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Infants, children and youth

Last updated: December 9, 2024

Overview

Healthy eating is important for your child's growth and development. Learn more about helping your child to eat well and develop a healthy attitude towards their body, food and eating.

Infants

Thinking about how you’ll feed your baby is an important step in your pregnancy journey.  Having trusted information and support from your health care provider can help you feel comfortable with your decision.  Use this guide to write down any questions you have and make a plan for getting the answers you need.

Breastfeeding or chestfeeding 

Human milk (breast milk) is the only food or drink your baby needs for the first 6 months. Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding or chestfeeding, when to offer your baby human milk and how to know if your baby is getting enough milk: 

Formula feeding 

Parents may give their baby infant formula for a variety of reasons. Find information on how to choose infant formula, what equipment you need to prepare it and how to store it safely: 

Feeding your baby during emergencies 

Infants are at risk of illness and infection during emergencies.  Be prepared with a plan to feed your baby safely in the event you lose power, access to clean water, or need to leave your home. 

Starting solid foods 

At about 6 months of age, your baby needs more nutrients and is ready to start trying solid foods. Find out what foods to introduce first, and how to prepare and offer them: 

Food allergy 

Food allergy happens when the body's immune system treats a protein in a food as harmful. Read about food allergies, including how to reduce the risk: 

Toddlers and preschoolers

You play an important role in helping your child learn new food skills and building healthy eating habits. Learn more:

Food safety

Younger children are at a higher risk of foodborne illness and choking. To reduce the risk, foods should be prepared in a safe way and certain foods should be limited or avoided:

Children and youth

Healthy eating is about more than what your child eats. It’s also about where, when, why and how they eat. Whether your child is at home, at school or on the go, you have a role in supporting healthy eating. Learn about nutritious food choices, the benefits of eating together and how to involve your child in meal preparation:

Sugary drinks and other beverages 

Find out how you can help your child replace sugary drinks with healthier options: 

Growth and development

Your child will grow and gain skills at their own pace as healthy growth is different for every child. Find out more about growth and development:

As a parent, you can promote healthy growth by following the Division of Responsibility (DOR) when feeding your child. This involves trusting that your child will eat what they need to grow in a way that’s right for them. You can also support your child to have a healthy attitude towards their body, food and eating through what you say and do. Learn more:

Weight-related conditions and concerns

Disordered eating and eating disorders

Some children find themselves struggling with unhealthy thoughts and behaviours towards food, weight, body size and shape. If you’re concerned that your child is experiencing disordered eating, speak to your health care provider. Getting support early may help to prevent an eating disorder from developing. Learn about eating disorders and where to find help:

Obesity

Weight is not simply a result of what your child eats or how active they are. Genetics, health conditions, stress, sleep quality and other factors can also influence weight. Eating well and being active can benefit your child’s health regardless of their weight. 

Speak with your health care provider if you’re concerned about your child’s health or wellbeing. If you have questions about or would like support with eating or physical activity, call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered dietitian or qualified exercise professional.  Learn more about healthy eating and activity programs for children and youth in B.C.:

Weight bias and stigma

Many children face weight bias and stigma in the form of weight bullying or teasing. This can have a negative impact on their psychological, social and physical health. You can support your child by learning about weight bias. The University of Connecticut Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health offers resources for kids, teens and their caregivers:

Useful resources

Baby's Best Chance

Parent handbook on pregnancy and baby care up to 6 months. Covers many topics including nutrition.

Toddler's First Steps

Parent handbook on children aged 6 to 36 months. Covers many topics including healthy eating.

Appetite to Play 

Supports early years providers, parents and caregivers to promote and encourage physical activity and healthy eating.

BC Pediatric Nutrition Guidelines 

A resource for health care providers that includes nutrition and feeding guidelines from birth to 6 years of age.