Posted: June 11th, 2024

Using your observations during Clinical Field Experience C and the research on the food/nutritional

Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Child Care Settings

 
Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Child Care Settings
Proper nutrition is crucial for the growth, development, and overall well-being of infants and toddlers. Child care providers play a vital role in establishing healthy eating habits during these formative years. The current nutritional practices and activities to support children with diverse needs include:
1. Nutritional Practices for Infants and Toddlers.
Breastfeeding is the recommended source of nutrition for infants up to 6 months of age, as breast milk provides optimal nutrition and numerous health benefits (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 2022). For infants who are not breastfed, iron-fortified infant formula should be provided (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021).
Around 6 months, complementary foods should be introduced gradually, starting with iron-fortified cereals, pureed fruits, and vegetables (AAP, 2022). By 8 to 12 months, infants can transition to a variety of soft, nutrient-dense solid foods, including whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products (CDC, 2021).
Toddlers require a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products (Natale et al., 2021). Portion sizes should be appropriate for their age and activity levels, and sugary, salty, and highly processed foods should be limited (CDC, 2021).
2. Activities to Promote Healthy Eating.
• Sensory Exploration: Encourage infants and toddlers to explore various textures, colors, and smells of different foods through sensory activities, such as touching, smelling, and tasting (with adult supervision). This exposure can help develop positive associations with new foods (Dazeley & Houston-Price, 2018).
• Modeling and Peer Influence: Children often mimic the eating behaviors of their peers and caregivers. Engage in family-style meals, where children observe adults and peers eating a variety of healthy foods, and participate in social interactions around mealtimes (Natale et al., 2021).
• Gardening Activities: Involve children in growing and harvesting fruits, vegetables, or herbs. This hands-on experience can foster an appreciation for fresh produce and encourage trying new foods.
3. Supporting Children with Special Needs or Dietary Requirements.
Children with special needs, delays, or dietary restrictions may require accommodations during mealtimes. Collaborate with families and healthcare professionals to develop individualized meal plans and ensure appropriate modifications are made.
Through implementing these practices and engaging in age-appropriate activities, child care providers can promote healthy eating habits, support diverse needs, and foster positive relationships with food from an early age.

References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics, 150(1), e2022057988.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Infant and toddler nutrition. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/index.html
Dazeley, P., & Houston-Price, C. (2018). Exposure to foods’ non-taste sensory properties. A nursery intervention to increase children’s willingness to taste fruit and vegetables. Appetite, 113, 358-366.
Natale, R. A., Webber, J., Senyuk, V., Martinez-Mallén, A. E., Alfano, C., & Messiah, S. E. (2021). Understanding toddlers’ eating behaviors across different child-care contexts. Nutrients, 13(7), 2333.

=================
Using your observations during Clinical Field Experience C and the research on the food/nutritional requirements implemented by your state, create a 1-2 page handout for families or child care providers outlining current nutritional practices for infants and toddlers and identify 2-3 activities to promote healthy eating while supporting children with special needs, delays, or dietary needs.

Support your handout with 3-5 scholarly references.

While APA format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite Technical Support Articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

Check Price Discount

Study Notes & Homework Samples: Academic Success And Professional Development Part 2 Reflect »Example Essay: School Philosophy, Mission, and Vision