Diet and nutrition is a major issue among pre-school children. Obesity figures are widely quoted for older children but disturbingly more than 20% of children are overweight by the time they reach the age of 5. Increasing numbers of young children experience poor dental health and Type II diabetes, while cases of rickets are appearing more frequently. So what can be done?

It’s increasingly clear that simply providing a variety of food and the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day is not enough to stem the tide. A balanced diet for children aged 1-5 will differ from that needed by older children and adults. Younger children are growing quickly and have very high energy and nutrient requirements. They also generally eat smaller portions than older children and adults, which means it is necessary for them to have regular meals and suitable snacks throughout the day. Even their needs for drinks is slightly different to that of older children – water and milk are their main sources of liquid with only small amounts of diluted fruit juice provided occasionally.

One of the most important ways to help children to eat more healthily is by establishing good food habits in their early years. National standards for school food has transformed the way children eat in school, but with almost a quarter of children overweight or obese by the time they reach even their reception year, it’s clear that supporting healthy eating can never begin too early.

Some of our nannies have found it beneficial to have a more structured approach to diet for smaller children and have undergone nutrition training. “It has give me the confidence to try new approaches – I am now letting my two year old charge serve herself, assemble her own sandwiches and salads. She has been very good at communicating what she already likes and dislikes, and she is willing to give most things a try – I don’t force things on her, but I do encourage her to take a little bit of something new, and give her lots of praise when she gives things a go.

“Mums and dads of fussy eaters are always pleasantly surprised when I tell them their child’s eaten a bit of this or that – some of them look like they’re going to faint when I say their son or daughter’s tried a new vegetable! I’m really proud of what I’ve done so far – and excited to continue”.