Nutrition within the first 1,000 days is of paramount importance for the growth and development of a child. Confusion abounds regarding the optimal nutrition for infants and toddlers and, for the first time, birth to 24-month nutrition guidelines are expected to be included within the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In an effort to better understand the current perspectives of parents and caregivers regarding their feeding practices, behaviors and/or concerns, the Hass Avocado Board conducted a survey among 400 primary caregivers. These results can be helpful to health professionals as they provide nutrition and food advice to expecting and new parents.
One key takeaway from the survey findings is that avocados meet caregivers’ most important criteria for choosing foods, as well as provide the desired nutrition, taste and texture they’re seeking for their infants and toddlers, making them a great choice to fuel these young bodies and minds!
Survey Findings
- Nearly 75% of caregivers believe nutrition is a very important factor to consider when selecting first foods for their infants/toddlers, ranked higher than other factors like taste and convenience.
- Caregivers feel it very important to choose foods with essential vitamins, minerals and protein, with 61% recognizing the importance of choosing foods containing good fats (mono- and polyunsaturated fats).
- Nearly 20% of caregivers are not serving fresh fruits or vegetables to their infant or toddler regularly.
- When looking at avocados specifically, only 1 in 20 caregivers listed them when asked which fruit they were most likely to serve (even though avocados’ overall usage has increased among caregivers).
Why Avocados?
With a unique nutrient profile and mild taste, avocados are a perfect first food recommendation that can be a great gateway food to help children eat more fruits and vegetables. They’re easy to serve in a variety of ways, including mashed up plain, mixed with other fruits or vegetables, or as a topping on another dish. Additionally, introducing them as a sugar-free fruit option may help avoid starting an early preference for sweet foods. Studies have shown that positive early experiences with fruits and veggies are more likely to result in lifelong consumption, and it’s also been shown that caregivers who serve avocado are more likely to serve a wider range of other fruits and vegetables, as well.
Explore some of the nutritious and simple mix and mashable avocado recipes like this Avocado, Squash, and Pear Mash Up, which can also serve as a great teaching tool.
*Before starting or introducing new foods, parents and caregivers should consult a physician or healthcare provider.
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