Are their significant differences in the nutritional needs of girls versus boys?
As children approach puberty, there are significant changes in growth and development. I always like to point out to parents that growth patterns are different between the sexes. In girls, it is normal to add a few extra pounds prior to a spurt in height. In boys, the timing seems to be more synchronized (height and weight increases occur at the same time). This is a big topic, which I don’t think I can completely address here. Regarding infant nutrition, what are we doing right and what are we doing wrong? • Right: Breastfeeding is on the rise. We need to continue to encourage woman to breastfeed but make sure we are not judgmental or preachy about it. Any breastfeeding is good and if a woman can breastfeed for the entire first year, that is spectacular. • Wrong: This is anecdotal, not scientific: I have observed babies with soft drinks, fruit punch and other sweetened beverages in their baby bottles. Not only are they missing out on the nutrients they need, they are at high risk for
