# Your Guide to the Latest Nutrition Recommendations for Children Under 2 Estimated time to read 9 minutes In case you missed it, for the first time in history the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) published a [set of nutrition recommendations for children under 2](https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf) based on the latest research. We were thrilled to see how closely their recommendations align with our nutritional understanding and how well our products adhere to the guidelines. As you might expect of federal guidelines, they’re quite dense. So we’ll summarize the key takeaways. But before we get into it, we wanted to share how the USDA frames the importance of proper nutrition during the first two years of life. They even share our tagline! We couldn’t agree more: _The time from birth until a child’s second birthday is a critically important period for proper growth and development. It also is key for establishing healthy dietary patterns that may influence the trajectory of eating behaviors and health throughout the life course. During this period, nutrients critical for brain development and growth must be provided in adequate amounts. Children in this age group consume small quantities of foods, so it’s important to make_ **_every bite count_** **_!_** Here they are: 8 key takeaways, plus some Serenity Kids commentary. ## 1. For about the first 6 months of life, exclusively feed infants human milk. **The USDA says:** Exclusive human milk feeding, commonly referred to as exclusive breastfeeding (or EBF), refers to an infant consuming only human milk, and not in combination with infant formula and/or complementary foods or beverages (including water), except for medications or vitamin and mineral supplementation. Human milk can support an infant’s nutrient needs for about the first 6 months of life, with the exception of vitamin D and potentially iron. Continue to feed infants human milk through at least the first year of life, and longer if desired. **Serenity Kids adds:** Human milk is an incredible source of nutrition for babies. It’s important to make sure mama stays nourished while feeding her little one, because nutrient content of a woman’s milk is directly related to the nutrients that she takes in herself via diet and supplementation. Learn more about nutrient needs here: [Foods for Breastfeeding: What Do Mama and Baby Need?](/content/blogs/news/foods-for-breastfeeding-what-do-mama-and-baby-need/index.html) If breastfeeding or exclusive breastfeeding isn’t an option for you, you are not alone. Please try to limit any feelings of guilt or shame, and just do what works for you and your baby. ### 2. Feed infants iron-fortified infant formula during the first year of life when human milk is unavailable. **The USDA says:** Families may have a number of reasons for not having human milk for their infant. For example, a family may choose not to breastfeed, a child may be adopted, or the mother may be unable to produce a full milk supply or may be unable to pump and store milk safely due to family or workplace pressures. If human milk is unavailable, infants should be fed an iron-fortified commercial infant formula. ### 3. At about 6 months, introduce infants to nutrient-dense complementary foods. **The USDA says:** At about age 6 months, infants should be introduced to nutrient-dense, developmentally appropriate foods to complement human milk or infant formula feedings. **Serenity Kids adds:** This has always been our focus as well, and our products are specially formulated to pack as much nutrition per bite as possible! ### 4. Introduce infants to potentially allergenic foods along with other complementary foods. **The USDA says:** Potentially allergenic foods (e.g., peanuts, egg, cow milk products, tree nuts, wheat, crustacean shellfish, fish, and soy) should be introduced when other complementary foods are introduced to an infant’s diet. Introducing peanut-containing foods in the first year reduces the risk that an infant will develop a food allergy to peanuts. ### 5. Encourage infants and toddlers to consume a variety of foods from all food groups. **The USDA says:** Parents, caregivers, and guardians are encouraged to introduce foods across all food groups, including items that fit within a family’s preferences, cultural traditions, and budget. ### 6. Include foods rich in iron and zinc, particularly for infants fed human milk. **The USDA says:** Iron-rich foods are important components of the infant’s diet from age 6 through 11 months to maintain adequate iron status, which supports neurologic development and immune function. ### 7. Avoid foods and beverages with added sugars. **The USDA says:** Infants and young children have virtually no room in their diet for added sugars. ### 8. Limit foods and beverages higher in sodium. **The USDA says:** Sodium is found in a number of foods, including some salty snacks, commercial toddler foods, and processed meats. **Conclusion** Nourishing babies and kids is our passion, and we know it can be stressful for new parents learning about childhood nutrition. We hope this summary of nutrition guidelines for children under the age of two helps you make educated choices and breathe a little easier.