Over the first year of life, a child's brain doubles in size and it's body weight triples. Physical development is rapid, and encompasses:
- Changes in bone thickness
- Increased size and weight
- Motor development
- Vision
- Hearing
- Organ changes
Growth of the infant brain is as equally rapid and during the first year the hard wiring process for the following is a high priority:
- Cognitive development
- Emotional and social development
- Movement
- Language and communication
- Vision and the other senses
Nutrient deficient foods may deprive the developing child of a healthy future. Weaning is therefore a critical time for infants and requires a diet that will optimise normal development physically, mentally and emotionally.
"Infancy is a critical window of time, for if the neurons are not properly formed and connections properly made, the effects can haunt a child for his or her lifetime. When the foundation of the brain's architecture is properly in place, it can set the stage for a future filled with potential.
During the first year of life the brain still demands an astonishing sixty percent of the total energy taken in by the infant."Michael A. Schmidt
Brain Building Nutrition
Workshop Dates
| Location | 1st Part | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop dates are updated regularly - please come back often | |||
| Birmingham | January 6th 2009 | Open | |
| Oxford | December 10th 2008 | Open | |
Programme
The study day will give you the opportunity to:
- Gain knowledge of the nutrition necessary to support infants' development as this crucial time
- Offer practical advice on how to empower parents in feeding young children a diet that will nurture both normal brain and physical growth
Study Day Content
- What is the optimum diet for enhancing learning and normal mental and physical development
- How can proper weaning help lessen learning disorders occuring by school age
- The impact of diet on behaviour
- Avoiding recurring acute illness and chronic conditions through correct weaning
- What is the right age for weaning to take place with regard to digestion and infant development
- The effect junk foods have on positive nutrients in the diet
- Current research findings which support much needed changes
- Practical advice to help empower parents at the weaning stage and beyond
- Current public, manufacturing and farming policies and their effect on food nutrient status
Admission Criteria
This study day is primarily aimed at professionals working with parents and babies, who have an interest in promoting healthy eating from an early age, to support optimum development of the growing child.
