I have asked this question on my Global Toddler survey, but I want to open this one up for everybody in a new poll on my blog. Please vote, and if you feel like it, leave a comment explaining your vote.
So where do you go for advice on toddler nutrition?
- Your pediatrician
- Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian
- Internet
- Trusted friend/family
- Books or Magazines
- Networking group
- Other
Select up to 3 out of these 7 categories. I would love to hear your comments, especially if you choose the “other” category. Feel free to share your reasons for relying on your preferred sources.
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Good question. I will probably be somewhat non-traditional on this one.
While I do listen to my pediatrician – I don’t feel that most doctors are trained to listen to nature & the body. An example – a fever is a natural bodily function to burn out pathogens. I allow my child’s body to preform it’s intended function, watching that it doesn’t get too high, keeping my child hydrated & comfortable. Most doctors would stop the body from doing it’s job with Tylenol.
My pediatrician knows & trusts me enough now that he incorporates my judgement into the treatment plan. My youngest has never had an antibiotic & never needed one.
I also get advice from my Mother. She is wise beyond her years. Her approach is common sense based.
In the “other” category, I would say I listen to my instincts.
I rely a lot on seeing a healthy, happy child – that tells you what you need to know.
I wish I could say all physicians or all pediatricians are well trained in nutrition. The fact is that the required learning in nutrition is very limited. Some physicians know a lot about how to best feed a healthy child because they’ve explored the subject on their own initiative, and some also have the time to sit down and give guidance–if you’re lucky enough to have such a pediatrician you are indeed fortunate.
I think the best advice, no matter where it comes from, should be viewed with common sense and skepticism. The questions I ask are:
• does this make sense?
• what kind of evidence supports this guidance?
Above all, don’t view nutrition and health news as advice (they’re not, they’re really just news), don’t follow every trend, and exercise moderation.
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