Why your baby's diet is important for their long-term health

Starting from conception, nutrition is vital to your child’s early development. Sharon Ní Chonchúir asks experts about the best foods to give your baby and what to do with a fussy eater

Exposure to a wide variety of foods from an early age can reduce the risk of allergies, atopic dermatitis, and asthma

THE first 1,000 days of life are crucial in establishing the foundations of lifelong health. Research shows that the period between conception and a child’s second birthday is when building blocks are laid down for the development of their brains and immune system, physical growth, and overall future wellbeing.

“Those first 1,000 days are a uniquely sensitive time when the conditions for optimal growth, health, and brain development are established,”  says Dr Ann-Marie Brennan, a neonatal dietitian at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH). “Nutrition is critical for these processes and has been shown to reduce the risk of developing chronic disorders such