Optimum Nutrition For Babies Young Children

Optimum nutrition and good feeding of infants and young children are key determinants of their health, growth and development, both physical and mental. Good feeding practices will prevent malnutrition and early growth retardation, which is still common in some parts of the World Health Organization European Region. This publication contains the scientific rationale for the development of national nutrition and feeding recommendations from birth to age three years. The guidelines and recommendations are designed for the WHO European Region, with emphasis on the countries of the former Soviet Union. They are especially applicable to the most vulnerable groups of infants and young children living in deprived conditions, mainly in Eastern Europe , but also in ethnic minority and low income groups in Western Europe.