Guidelines for healthy kids

For the first time, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will include advice for feeding babies and toddlers.

They say unequivocally that children from birth to age 24 months should never be given sugar-added beverages, whether juice, soda or flavored milks, or any sweetened foods.

As the advisory committee guidelines say, “a healthy diet during these life stages is essential to support healthy growth and development during infancy and childhood and to promote health and prevent chronic disease through childhood, adolescence and adulthood.”

The best choices are pure, unadulterated vegetables, fruits and lean meats, and healthy fats prepared in kid-friendly ways (easy to chew and swallow) — even pure peanut butter on a whole-wheat cracker.

It is also important to make sure your youngest has good sleep habits, gets enough activity and has good hygiene.

— Sleep: The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine say infants 4 to 12 months should sleep 12 to 16 hours every 24 hours on a regular basis; children 1 to 2 years of age should sleep 11 to 14 hours every 24 hours.

— Play/activity time: Babies aged 0 to 12 months need plenty of opportunities for movement and floor play. Before they can walk, at least 30 minutes of tummy time each day helps them grow and develop. Children 1 to 5 years need at least three hours of activity daily, including energetic play.

— Hygiene: Oral health is important, so from 0 to 12 months after each feeding gently clean an infant’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad. As teeth emerge continue the practice. At 12 months go for a dental exam and at 24 months start using a toothbrush twice a day, gently. As for bathing, wait at least 24 hours after birth and then once home, three baths a week for the first 12 months should do it.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare. com.