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Using your observations during Clinical Field Experience C and the research on the food/nutritional requirements implemented by your state,(Alabama), 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.
Nutrition for Infants and Toddlers in Alabama
Breastfeeding is recommended as the best source of nutrition for infants under 6 months of age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for about the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing complementary foods for 1 year or longer. For mothers who do not breastfeed or who supplement with formula, iron-fortified formula is recommended.
Between 6-12 months, solid foods should be introduced in addition to breastmilk or formula. Good first foods for infants include iron-fortified baby cereal, pureed fruits and vegetables. Allergens like peanut products, eggs, dairy and wheat should be introduced around 6 months to help prevent allergies. Between 9-12 months, infants can begin to feed themselves finger foods like soft pieces of banana, avocado or cooked pasta.
For toddlers ages 1-2 years, meals should include a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all the major food groups including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy and protein. Meals should be offered family-style to encourage self-feeding with fingers and utensils. Snacks should consist of two food groups. Limit juice intake to no more than 4-6 ounces per day and avoid sugar-sweetened beverages.
Activities to Promote Healthy Eating:
Garden Snack – Grow a small vegetable or herb garden with toddlers. Involve them in planting, watering and harvesting vegetables to eat as snacks like cherry tomatoes, snap peas or basil.
Sensory Play – Set up a sensory bin filled with dry oatmeal, rice or pasta for exploring different textures and incorporating finger foods into play.
Cooking Fun – Involve toddlers in simple cooking activities like mashing a banana, stirring pancake batter or tearing lettuce for salad to develop food skills.
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Nutrition. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/default.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, September 15). Milestones in nutrition for babies and toddlers. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/milestones.html
Zero to Three. (n.d.). Nutrition for infants and toddlers. https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/series/nutrition-for-infants-and-toddlers
WIC Works Resource System. (2019, May). Nutrition education for infants and toddlers. https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-infants-and-toddlers
