The New Canadian Food Guide: for babies, too?
The new Canadian Food Guide: for Babies, too?
The inauguration of the new Canadian food Guide happened yesterday and I'm honoured to have been the dietitian invited to participate. Since I work with babies, many reached out to me asking if the recommendations from the new Guide apply to babies.
A historical event: the launch of the new Canadian Food Guide
I'm proud to have met the Honorable Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor and to have participated alongside Paule Bernier, president of our Professional Order of Dietitians of Quebec and Nathalie Savoie, president of Dietitians of Canada.
Here are a few pictures of the event: I talked about how the new Canada’s Food Guide will impact the lives of families across the country, including mine. Dietitians, policy makers and many others will be considering the new guidelines and we will see changes in our food environment over the coming weeks, months and years.
As health professionals, we are reflecting on what this new guide means for our clients. Food is so much more than a source of nutrients for our bodies. Food has the potential to heal, to prevent disease, and to bring us together. As dietitians, our role is to translate the complex science of nutrition into advice for the unique needs and circumstances of the families we work with.
Does this mean that the recommendations changed for babies?
So, do the new recommendations of the new Canadian Food Guide apply to babies? The answer is no. The new Canadian Food Guide is for children ages 2 years old and up. Recommendations remain the same for babies and children 0-24 months old. To read the official recommendations in the joint statement from Health Canada, Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada and Breastfeeding Committee for Canada, check out Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants. This document was updated in 2014 and includes information about breastfeeding, vitamin D, iron, food textures, and more.
My own baby started eating solid food
In fact, the baby you see below turned 6 months today. It's a big day and he is ready to start solids! This morning, he explored an egg mixed with a bit of olive oil to make it soft: What an incredible moment. He loved the experience and can't wait to try new foods.
Stay up to date on pediatric nutrition
Healthly Institute offers continuing education specifically geared towards health professionals (eligible for continuing education hours/units). The networks of health professionals stay up to date with current evidence and practices and also benefit from the multidisciplinary support.
Learn more: Pediatric Nutrition Continuing Education & Support