RNH Dietitian Andre Woltersdorf recently completed training focused on the first 1000 days of a child’s life.
The INFANT program (INfant Feeding, Active play and NuTrition) has been developed from over 15 years of research by Deakin University and quickly became internationally recognised.
The program focuses of the first 1000 days of life which are known to be the most critical to a child’s development. It provides evidenced based advice on nutrition, active play, and reducing screen time.
A 5-year research trial conduced from 2008-2013 showed children who attended the program maintained positive health behaviour, which was sustained to the 5-year-old mark.
Findings of this study included;
– Children at 18 months old watched 25% less television and consumed 25% fewer sweet snacks, had improved dietary quality overall, children of younger mothers/less health literate drank more water and ate more vegetables.
– 3.5-5 years children continued to consume fewer sweet snacks, more water (3.5 years) less sugar-sweetened beverages (5 years) and viewed less TV.
“The training I completed is to facilitate these sessions within the community for mums, dads, guardians, and care givers of children aged under 18 months,” Andre said.
“Sessions are run when children are 3,6,9 and 12 months old in face-to-face group sessions, and 15-18 months are completed using the Deakin created My Baby Now app which is available for Apple and Android phones (I highly recommend downloading for parents),” he said.
The sessions (and app) cover significant amounts of information including breast feeding, formula feeding, baby led introduction to solid foods (also known as baby led weaning), active play, play patterns and sleep, screen time alternatives, and recipe sharing.