The health consequences of trade-offs in spending can be serious, especially for the youngest children. The first three years of life are a uniquely sensitive period of extraordinary brain and body growth; the cognitive and physical development that takes place at this stage will never occur to the same degree again. Young children in this phase are especially vulnerable to any deficiencies in family resources or well-being.
Babies and toddlers who live in energy insecure households
are more likely to:
• be in poor health;
• have a history of hospitalizations;
• be at risk for developmental problems, and;
• be food insecure.