It’s Not Enough Just to Feel Full: Here’s What You Need to Bear in Mind Regarding Your Child’s Nutrition

Meeting children’s nutritional needs is not simply a matter of ensuring they eat until they are full. An appropriate nutritional intake is one of the key foundations for children’s growth and development. This means that parents need to pay attention to the nutritional content of the food and drink their children consume every day.

Amidst the wide variety of children’s nutritional products available, parents are also faced with a wealth of information regarding the contents and benefits of these products. Therefore, understanding a child’s nutritional needs and seeking information from reliable sources are crucial steps before making the right choice.

One key consideration is the nutritional content of the product. Parents can check the ingredients label and nutritional information, whilst ensuring these are appropriate for their child’s age and needs.

In addition to the nutritional content, the scientific evidence underpinning the product’s development can also be a factor to consider. This information helps parents understand the basis for the health claims made by manufacturers, rather than simply relying on marketing.

Ray Wagiu Basrowi, Medical & Scientific Director at Danone Indonesia, stated that not all nutritional products, particularly milk, have the same nutritional content or scientific backing.

“Mums need to look at how a product has been developed, what its ingredients are, and the scientific evidence and clinical studies that support it,” said Ray during a discussion in Jakarta some time ago.

According to him, access to science-based information and credible evidence can help parents understand their children’s nutritional needs and feel more confident in making choices.

However, meeting a child’s nutritional needs does not depend on a single product alone. A balanced, nutritious diet, dietary variety, and adjusting intake to the child’s needs remain vital in supporting their growth and development.

Attention to children’s nutritional needs goes hand in hand with the increasingly diverse roles of women. Some mothers not only look after their families’ needs but also work and fulfil other responsibilities in their daily lives.

Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for Indonesian women reached 56.63 per cent in 2025. A total of 58.47 million women were recorded as being in work in the same year.

Amidst these busy lives, decisions regarding children’s needs, including meeting their nutritional requirements, remain a priority. Information that is easy to understand and reliable can help parents make more informed decisions.

Beril Yagci, Marketing Director of Danone Specialised Nutrition Indonesia, said that the meaning of ‘progress’ can vary for every mother. According to her, progress is also reflected in the various choices and daily efforts made to provide the best support for children.

“Amidst the increasingly diverse roles of mothers, we recognise the importance of instilling confidence through choices backed by evidence,” said Beril.

Beril noted that SGM Eksplor also offers nutritional options containing three times the iron, 100 per cent DHA, and tuna fish oil. However, a child’s nutritional needs must still be tailored to their individual requirements. By understanding nutritional content, carefully reviewing the available information, and consulting healthcare professionals where necessary, parents can make the right choices to support their child’s growth and development.