1 Nutrition/Feeding Entry-Level Training Module I Lesson Two

2 Did you know… Most Americans do not get adequate amounts of calcium, iron, vitamin C and vitamin A in their diets each day? The number of overweight children has dramatically increased over the last 20 years? Tooth decay, anemia, and obesity are the three most common nutritional problems in children?

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4 Dietary Guidelines Eat a variety of foods, especially whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Maintain a healthy weight. Choose a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, moderate levels of total fat. Use sugars, salt/sodium, and alcoholic beverages only in moderation. Aim for a healthy weight, exercise daily.

5 General Principles of Feeding Children need a variety of foods, especially foods that contain vitamins A, C, calcium, and iron. Adults should eat with the children. Adults decide what, when, where to eat. Child decides how much or whether to eat. Children should serve themselves. Children should never be forced to eat. Mealtimes should be positive, relaxed, and social.

6 Rich Sources of Vitamin A Liver Carrots Pumpkin Sweet Potatoes Spinach Apricots Cantaloupe Broccoli

7 Rich Sources of Vitamin C Oranges Strawberries Cantaloupe Cauliflower Green Pepper Broccoli Tomatoes Cabbage Spinach

8 Rich Sources of Iron Liver Beef Dried Peas, Beans, and Lentils Ham Prunes, Raisins Chicken Grains Spinach

9 Rich Sources of Calcium Sardines Milk Yogurt Cheese Salmon Vegetables (Broccoli)

10 Feeding Infants Support mother’s choice to nurse or bottle feed Look for signs of readiness before introducing solid foods (see next slide) Follow family’s food/feeding preferences Never prop bottles (increases risk of choking, ear infections, tooth decay/bottle-mouth syndrome) Feed infant on demand Do not restrict fat intake

11 Signs of Readiness for Solid Foods... Should have at least doubled birth weight Drinks at least 40 oz. of milk Can swallow (not just suck) and begins drooling (teeth) Can control head movements Can keep food in mouth (not push it out with tongue)

12 Feeding Toddlers Toddlers are often “Neophobes”, afraid to try new things, expect “picky eaters” To develop healthy attitudes about eating, avoid getting into power struggles with toddlers Respect cultural eating/feeding differences Make eating time comfortable, pleasant, and safe*

13 Choking Hazards Raw carrots Celery Hot dogs Pieces of raw apple Grapes Fruit seeds/pits Gummy candy Hard candy Peanuts, other nuts Chewy cookies Cough drops Potato chips Pretzels Popcorn Peanut butter Gum

14 Feeding Preschoolers and School-agers... Their growth has slowed, expect decreased appetite Can be more involved in preparing foods Often highly influenced by peers, media, etc. Encourage exercise, it enhances well-being Respect cultural eating/feeding differences Post/display ALL food allergies