Expert nutrition advice for infants, children, and adolescents.
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Management of food allergies and intolerances in children.
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Prepare for breastfeeding before your baby arrives.
The complete guide to starting your baby on solids.
Nicole Bando
Articles in this category.
By Nicole Bando, APD & IBCLC, 17th September 2019 Water is vital for all of our body’s basic functions, such as carrying nutrients to cells, regulating body temperature and ensuring healthy bowel motions. I am often asked, how much fluid do children need?The answer depends on their age, body weight and other factors, such as [...]
As a Melbourne based Paediatric Dietitian, I discuss this very emotional topic with parents frequently. I like to to use positive language and practical strategies to encourage my families towards healthy change. Here are my tips for addressing the hard topic of nutrition and children’s bodies: – Take action: it may be time to change [...]
By Nicole Bando, May 13, 2021 Myriad colourful, fizzy, chewable children’s vitamins line pharmacy shelves, causing parents worry that their child may be lacking in vital nutrients. As a Paediatric Dietitian & Lactation Consultant, I am often asked ‘should I give my child a multivitamin?’ In most cases, a healthy child who is eating across [...]
We have lots of parties on the weekend, how do we manage to eat healthily as a family? Children have a lot of parties to attend, which may make it seem hard to establish healthy eating patterns. These tips can help you navigate busy social times: Make sure you feed your child as usual leading [...]
Children attend multiple parties every year. If each party provides lolly bags (alongside party food), our kids are likely to consume excessive amounts of sugar, with minimal nutrients. These foods take the place of healthier options and can impact healthy growth, mood & concentration, not to mention the copious plastic packaging that ends up in [...]
Water is essential for our body’s vital functions; to maintain healthy cells, eliminate by-products and excess electrolytes (salts), regulate body temperature, aid digestion and more. In a child over 12 months, it is the first choice of fluid. Many drinks (other than milk and water) contain sugar (or artificial sweeteners), colourings and limited nutrients. These [...]
Calcium is an essential nutrient for building healthy bones and teeth. The majority of our body’s store (99%) is found in the skeleton. The major source of calcium in our diet is dairy; though it is present in other foods too. Many parents report that their toddlers drink milk before bedtime and worry that stopping [...]
1) Is it normal for a toddler to be a fussy eater?By Melbourne Dietitian, Nicole Bando As a children’s dietitian, this is a commonly asked question. Many parents feel concerned about the variety and quantity of food their toddler eats. A fussy eater is defined as a child who refuses to try a new food [...]
Dairy foods naturally contain 10 essential nutrients including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, carbohydrate, protein, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12 and zinc, essential healthy blood and immune systems, eyesight, muscle and nerve function, skin, energy, growth and repair. Unless you have an allergy or intolerance, or prefer to avoid dairy for personal reasons, it is a [...]
Transitioning from breastfeeding or formula to family foods is a natural progression for a baby. A breastfed baby may continue to breastfeed beyond the first 12 months of life, whilst including dairy and family foods. If your child is 12 months or older, it is safe to give your child whole cow’s milk (or fortified [...]
Dairy products contain 10 essential nutrients; calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, carbohydrate, protein, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12 and zinc, important for healthy immune and blood systems, eyesight, muscle and nerve function, healthy bones, skin, energy, growth and repair of your body. If your child cannot have dairy, whether it be due to an allergy, intolerance [...]
I have spoken to many parents feeling a little concerned that Christmas & school holidays may throw their nutrition routine out the window. Whilst that is ok for a short time, it is absolutely possible to celebrate and have some balance too, hooray! . Try these tips for your family: Don’t restrict yourself or the [...]
