Nutrition In Child Care

3.1 Importance of Nutrition:

 Why is proper nutrition vital for young children’s development?
Proper nutrition is very important for young children because it helps them grow, stay healthy, and learn new things. Eating a variety of healthy foods—like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein—gives children the vitamins and minerals they need for their bodies and brains to develop properly (Health Canada, 2025a). When children eat healthy foods from an early age, they are more likely to enjoy these foods as they grow older (Health Canada, 2025b). Getting enough important nutrients, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D, helps prevent problems that could affect growth and learning (Health Canada, 2025c). Eating mostly whole foods and limiting sugary or salty foods also helps children stay healthy and lowers the chance of health problems later in life (Health Canada, 2025d). In summary, healthy eating in early childhood gives children the energy, nutrients, and habits they need to grow strong, learn well, and stay healthy for years to come.

3.2 Nutrition in Early Childhood Settings

Infants (0–18 months)

1. Feeding Based on Baby’s Cues:
Infants should be fed when they show signs of hunger, like sucking on their hands or turning their head toward the bottle or breast. Feeding on demand helps babies learn to listen to their own hunger and fullness. (Caring for Kids, 2023)

2. Starting Solid Foods:
Around 6 months, babies can start eating soft foods like iron-fortified cereals, mashed lentils, or pureed meat. These foods are important because babies need more iron as they grow. (Health Canada, 2023; Canada’s Food Guide, 2024)

Toddlers (18 months- 2.5 years)

1. Small and Healthy Meals:
Toddlers need small meals and snacks during the day. Their food should include vegetables and fruits, grains, protein foods like beans or eggs, and dairy or alternatives to help them grow strong. (Canada’s Food Guide, 2024)

2. Learning to Feed Themselves:
At this age, toddlers should be encouraged to try feeding themselves with a spoon or fork. This helps them practice fine motor skills and become more independent. (Dietitians of Canada, 2022)

Preschool (2.5 - 4 years)

1. Colorful and Fun Meals:
Preschoolers enjoy colorful meals with different textures and tastes. Offering foods from all food groups helps their brain and body grow well. (Canada’s Food Guide, 2024)

2. Eating Together:
Eating in a family-style setting, where children can serve themselves with help, makes mealtimes fun and social. It helps them learn good eating habits and table manners. (Child Care Centre Nutrition Guidelines, 2023)

School-Age Children (4–12 years)

1. Healthy Lunches:
School-age children need lunches that give them energy for learning and playing. Meals should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein foods like chicken, tofu, or beans. (Canada’s Food Guide, 2024)

2. Involving Children in Meal Planning:
Letting children help plan or prepare meals teaches them about healthy food choices and encourages them to eat better. (Health Canada, 2023)

 Caregivers play a key role through responsive feeding practices, offering nutritious foods while allowing toddlers to decide how much and whether to eat (ODPH, 2017/2018). This approach supports independence and helps develop healthy eating relationships. By planning balanced, age-appropriate menus and creating a positive mealtime environment, caregivers help toddlers build lifelong healthy food habits.

3.3 Canada Food Guide and Active Learning:

 Canada’s Food Guide shows how eating well and staying active work together to keep our bodies and minds healthy. It encourages everyone, including young children, to eat a variety of foods every day — like fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods, and protein foods — and to choose water to drink (Government of Canada, 2024). These healthy food choices give children the energy and nutrients they need to grow, learn, and play. The Food Guide also reminds us that being active every day is just as important as eating well. Physical activity helps children build strong bones and muscles, stay at a healthy weight, and feel happy and confident (Government of Canada, 2024).

In childcare, these ideas can be part of daily routines. Educators can plan balanced meals and snacks that include foods from all the food groups and encourage children to try new foods. Movement can be added through outdoor play, dancing, yoga, or short movement breaks between activities. These routines help children stay active, learn healthy habits, and build a positive relationship with food and movement from a young age.

3.4 Creative Menu/Recipe Offering for Preschool Children – Lunchtime Recipe

 Name: Rainbow Veggie Wrap with Yogurt Dip and Fruit Medley 

Menu Description:
A colorful whole grain wrap filled with mixed vegetables (carrots, spinach, bell peppers, and cucumber) and shredded cheese, served with a side of Greek yogurt dip and a mixed fruit medley (strawberries, melon, and grapes). A small serving of milk or fortified soy beverage is offered to drink.

 Food Groups (Canada’s Food Guide):

·         Vegetables and fruits: Mixed vegetables and fruit medley (Health Canada, 2019)

·         Whole grain foods: Whole grain tortilla wrap (Health Canada, 2019)

·         Protein foods: Greek yogurt and cheese (or plant-based protein substitute like  tofu) (Health Canada, 2019)

·         Beverage: Water or fortified soy beverage (Health Canada, 2019)

Vegetarian Option:
Substitute the cheese and yogurt with plant-based alternatives, such as tofu spread and soy-based yogurt, ensuring the protein requirements are met (Health Canada, 2019).