Question 1

When should I start solid foods for my baby?

Accepted Answer

Start complementary feeding around 6 MONTHS (range: 4-6 months, but ideal 6 months per WHO). Baby’s readiness signs: sits with little support, shows interest in food (tries to grab your food), lost extrusion reflex (no longer pushes food out with tongue), can bring objects to mouth. DON’T start before 4 months (immature digestive system). During consultation I give you specific step-by-step plan for your baby: what foods to introduce first, in what order, portions, progressive textures. Includes sample weekly menu and shopping lists.

Question 2

My child only eats 3-4 foods and rejects everything else, is this normal?

Accepted Answer

It’s COMMON (especially 2-5 years) but not necessarily “normal” if very extreme or affects nutrition. Mild food selectivity (preferences) is normal. SEVERE selectivity (less than 10-15 accepted foods, rejection of entire groups like all vegetables) requires intervention. During consultation I assess: is growing appropriately despite selectivity? Are there nutritional deficits? What’s the cause - temperament, excessive pressure, sensory problem? I give proven strategies: repeated exposure without forcing (may take 10-15 attempts), positive meal environment, involving them in preparation. Improvement takes 2-3 MONTHS of consistency - not quick but works.

Question 3

How much should my child eat at each meal? How do I know if eating enough?

Accepted Answer

Appropriate portions VARY by age: 1-3 years: ~1/4 to 1/3 adult portion, 3-5 years: ~1/2 adult portion, school-age: 2/3 to 3/4 adult portion. But best way to know if eating ENOUGH isn’t specific amount but: are they growing appropriately? (weight/height at expected percentile), do they have normal energy?, aren’t malnourished or overweight? During consultation I review growth charts and give you SPECIFIC portions for your child according to age, weight, and activity level. Includes visual examples (e.g., protein = size of child’s palm). Reality: children have VARIABLE appetite day to day - some days eat a lot, others little. It’s normal if week’s average is adequate.

Question 4

Do I need to give vitamin supplements or is food enough?

Accepted Answer

Depends on age and diet. UNIVERSALLY RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTS: Vitamin D in exclusively breastfed infants (breast milk is low in vitamin D) - 400 IU/day. Iron in premature babies or babies with anemia. POSSIBLY NEEDED SUPPLEMENTS: children with very restrictive diets (vegetarian/vegan, multiple allergies, severe selectivity) may need multivitamin. MOST children with balanced varied diet do NOT need routine supplements. During consultation I assess your child’s diet and determine if they need supplements or if we can get all nutrients from food (preferable). If they have deficit (e.g., anemia from iron deficiency), I give specific supplements + dietary modification.

Question 5

What foods should I avoid giving my child?

Accepted Answer

UNDER 1 YEAR avoid: honey (botulism risk), added salt, added sugar, whole cow’s milk as main beverage (can after one year), whole choking hazard foods (grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, whole nuts, hard raw vegetables). ALL AGES minimize/avoid: sodas, commercial juices, ultra-processed foods, junk food, excess sugar. ALLERGENS (egg, fish, peanut): previously recommended avoiding until 1-3 years, now known that EARLY introduction (6-12 months) PREVENTS allergies - so YES give, don’t avoid. During consultation I give complete list of allowed and avoid foods by age.

Question 6

How much does consultation cost and how many do I need?

Accepted Answer

Nutritional consultation Q300 for 30-45 minutes (includes complete evaluation + personalized nutrition plan). NUMBER of consultations depends on goal: Complementary feeding (6-month baby): usually 1 initial consultation + follow-up in 4-6 weeks = 2 consultations. Picky child: 1 initial consultation + monthly follow-up until improvement (typically 2-4 consultations over 3-6 months). Low weight: initial consultation + follow-up every 2-4 weeks until recovery (3-6 consultations). Obesity: longer follow-up, every 4-6 weeks (minimum 6 months). I also include WhatsApp follow-up between consultations for questions at no additional cost. You can combine with regular well-child visits.

Child Nutrition in Guatemala | Feeding for Babies and Children

Make your child eat better and grow healthy and strong

When do you need nutritional guidance for your child?

Good nutrition is the foundation of healthy growth

Why nutritional consultation with Dr. Sandy?

Practical Approach - Real Menus that Work

Solutions for Picky or Difficult Eaters

Medical + Comprehensive Nutritional Evaluation

Prevention of Obesity and Bad Habits

Practical Approach - Real Menus that Work

Solutions for Picky or Difficult Eaters

Medical + Comprehensive Nutritional Evaluation

Prevention of Obesity and Bad Habits

Ready for your child to receive specialized care?

What does Nutritional Consultation include?

Complete Dietary History

Growth Assessment

Nutritional Requirements Calculation

Personalized Nutrition Plan

Follow-up and Adjustments

Complete Dietary History

Growth Assessment

Nutritional Requirements Calculation

Personalized Nutrition Plan

Follow-up and Adjustments

Specialized Pediatric Care in Zone 9

Dra. Sandyita Pedia - Zona 9

Office Hours

Emergency Care

Coverage Areas

Guatemala City

Metropolitan Area

Hospital Coverage

Frequently asked questions, clear answers

Other services you may be interested

Breastfeeding Support

Well-Child Visits

Sick Visit