1

Nutrition/Feeding

Entry-Level Training Module ILesson 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?

3

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