Dr Petrina Wong gave an insightful sharing at Shangri-La Hotel for nurses in private hospitals across Singapore about common conditions in babies and children and ways to optimise growth and nutrition, especially in the first 3 years of life.

Here are some tips for parents:

1. Breast milk provides ideal nutrients and antibodies for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, then continued alongside complementary foods.

2. Introduce healthy complementary foods at 6 months. Begin with iron-rich options like vegetables and fortified cereals.

3. Observe for hunger cues and encourage a wide variety of different textures.