Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Nutrition System

Nutrition Science Made Simple

Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ is a stage-based nutrition system of products, education and easy to use tools and resources
Designed to help guide healthy growth and development from birth to 48 months
Promotes the early establishment of healthy eating habits
Reflects up to date, peer reviewed nutrition science

As part of the Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Nutrition System, Nestlé recommends breastfeeding as the ideal nutrition for babies. The World Health Organization states that the optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding is 6 months and recommends continued breastfeeding for as long as possible after introduction of complementary foods. As nutritional needs of individual infants are different, you play an important role in advising parents on the best feeding option for their baby.

The Gerber Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Nutrition System is based on sound nutrition science

to help foster healthy growth and development
to encourage healthy eating habits in the critical early years

Immune system support and development
Breastmilk contains beneficial bacteria, primarily probiotic bifidobacteria, which help to balance the immature gut flora
Probiotics stimulate immune cells of the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT) throughout the GI tract
A healthy diet supports development and maintenance of a healthy immune system

Digestive health
Adequate dietary fiber and prebiotics (non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria) can support digestive health

Brain and eye health
DHA and ARA are two of the major omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids of neural tissue
DHA and ARA are believed to play key roles in brain and visual development and function
DHA is the major structural fat in the retina
Adequate intake of iron is important to ensure cognitive development during
the first year of life

Communication Made Simple

Stage Based Milestone Symbols™
Milestone Symbols™ are matched to developmental stages from pregnancy to preschool
Featured on each Gerber^® product to provide a simple, step-by-step way for parents to find the right products
The developmental stages and readiness cues that serve as the guidelines for the Milestone Symbols™ have been validated* by an independent panel of feeding and safety experts
Articles, tools and resources for parents to make nutrition and feeding choices easy, including the Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Menu Planner

Stage-based nutrition benefits for infants and young children

Gerber^® formulas, foods and beverages provide nutrition benefits that complement each other within each developmental stage, and evolve as baby grows into subsequent stages.
Nutritional needs and feeding skill development at each Milestone stage are considered in the development of every Gerber^® product.
Click here to learn more about the Gerber^® line of products.

Products

Gerber believes that optimal nutrition starts with breastfeeding for the first 6 months followed by developmentally appropriate, stage-based nutritious feeding choices.
Gerber products include foods and beverages from all food groups.
Gerber products feature nutrient profiles to help fill common nutrient gaps and include textures and tastes that are stage-appropriate and help to encourage healthy eating habits.
Start at birth with infant formulas^†, and progress to cereal, baby food, toddler and preschooler foods, all identified by developmental Milestone Symbols™.

^†

Nutrition and healthy eating benefits across the stages

Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Resource Center

Education and Services

Education and resources to keep healthcare professionals informed, and to help discuss nutrition and feeding choices with parents
Articles, tools and resources for parents to help make nutrition and feeding choices easier including the Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Menu Planner

Healthcare Professionals

In the office:
Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Nutrition System
Information on this proprietary system, designed to support optimal nutrition for infants and young children
Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS)
Sharing knowledge gained about the food and nutrient intakes of infants and toddlers in the 2002 and 2008 FITS dietary intake surveys
Continuing Education programs
In-service programs on topics ranging from Allergy in Pediatrics to Gut Microflora, Probiotics and Infant Health
Parent Education materials
Menu and Feeding Transition tear pads

By phone:
To speak to a nutrition expert about pediatric feeding issues, the Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Nutrition System, or any GERBER^® product, call 1-800-628-BABY (2229) Monday to Friday, 8AM to 8PM EST.

Online:
medical.gerber.com
Clinical and Health Topics
Topics ranging from Nutrition and Healthy Eating to Allergy and Immunity
Easy access to clinical abstracts and downloadable tools and guides: BMI charts, growth charts, USDA Food Pyramid for Preschoolers, CDC Immunization Recommendations, Maternal and Infant Health Data
Parent Education articles and resources to print and pass on to parents
Interactive Menu Planner
Gerber^® product information
nestlenutrition-institute.org
Clinical Nutrition Education
Access to publications and webinars of Nestlé Nutrition Institute workshops
Register at nestlenutrition-institute.org to gain access to the Nestlé Nutrition Institute resources and community

For Parents

In the office:
Parent Education articles and information on topics such as nutrition, feeding, allergy and immunity, and brain and eye health
Menu and Feeding Transition tear pads

By phone:
To speak to a nutrition expert about personalized nutrition and feeding support including breastfeeding support, call 1-800-721-7575 (en español 1-800-511-6862). Experts available 24/7.

Online:
gerber.com
Interactive Menu Planner - an easy way to create customized, developmentally appropriate menus
Nutrition and Feeding Information - customized by Milestone, from prenatal to preschool
GERBER^® Product Information and Special Offers

Hospital Discharge Kit:
Available in participating birthing hospitals
Breastfeeding Basics - practical guidance to help mother and baby get the most out of the breastfeeding experience.
Nutrition Guide - an innovative and practical feeding guide for birth to 48 months, containing nutrition and feeding guidance, product information, and healthy menus, all tailored to a child's developmental stage.
Health Record - booklet filled with developmental information for each stage from birth to preschool, growth charts, well baby visit guidance, and space for parents to write in observations as baby grows.
Valuable coupons for Gerber^® products.

At Home:
Direct Mail Booklets - Those registered with the Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Resource Center receive nutrition and feeding information tailored to their baby's stage of development.
Valuable checks and coupons for Gerber^® products.