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.
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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 Term Paper Writing Service | Research Report Writing – 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
