| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Information for Development -- Infants and Young Children Normal development is a sign of good health and proper nutrition in infants and young children; however, it can be difficult to define what is normal from child to child. For example, children with short parents tend to be shorter and weigh less than children of the same age who come from a long line of tall ancestors. Since there is such a wide variation in normal development, physicians use a scale based on height, weight and age to determine whether a child is growing as expected or failing to thrive. Mental and physical development is especially critical during a childs early years, so physicians and parents must closely monitor how well a child is growing and if there are any reasons for concern. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Lifestyle Suggestions to Enhance Development -- Infants and Young Children Hold the baby as much as possible. Touch, cuddle, smile and give him plenty of eye contact. Maximize feedings by maintaining physical and emotional contact. Talk to the baby as much as possible. Talking and singing help establish a strong bond between baby and parent while setting a foundation for language skills. Play with the baby. Provide a vast array of objects and toys to generate interest. Read to the baby regularly. Look at pictures and tell stories. Help him turn the pages. Take the baby out into the world. Look at trees, stars, grass, paintings, flowers, cars and mirrors. Encourage him to reach out and touch different textures. Expose the child to other children through preschool, play groups, trips to the park and family gatherings. Children learn many lessons from each other. Allow the child to attend preschool at age four or five to encourage social and academic stimulation. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Dietary Supplements Many herbs are safe for infant and child consumption, but it is imperative that parents inform their pediatrician of the types of herbs their child is taking and the regular dosage. Vitamin A maintains normal bone growth. Essential Fatty Acids are needed for cognitive/mental development. Iron supports growth and development in children. American Ginseng improves overall health and strength. Anise Seed reduces stomach discomfort and gas. Dandelion Roots are packed with vitamins and minerals. Echinacea boosts the immune system. REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products Below. |