The first 1,000 days from conception into toddlerhood are an opportunity in a child’s life too important to miss, delegates at the seminar on toddler eating habits were told on the first morning of Childcare Expo, Midlands
Independent dietician and public-health nutritionist Kathy Crowbrough and Nutricia’s early life nutrition science & innovation senior manager Katie Fordham joined forces to give a presentation, seeking input from nannies and nursery professionals in the audience by emphasising the huge influence they have on toddlers’ lives.
“During the first 1,000 days of an infant’s life, organs and body systems are rapidly growing, still very flexible and responsive to nutritional influence,” said Fordham. “We believe that the right nutrition during the early years can and will positively influence health outcomes.”
However, Cowbrough acknowledged the challenges those working with toddlers face in terms of food and nutrition. She highlighted providing healthy and nutritious food economically and supporting parents on limited incomes or with limited facilities. “If you make economical meals, parents will learn from you and be able to make these dishes too,” she said. Other issues were food refusal and fussy eating among toddlers as well as creating a fun but relaxed meal-time. “You will get fussy eaters,” she reassured, “that’s what children are. And you will get food refusal, but you don’t give in!”.
Challenges related to nutrition in toddlers are different and include overweight and obesity, dental caries, iron or vitamin D deficiencies and lack of physical activity. “You have a big influence on them,” said Crowbrough referring particularly to physical excercise, “as they spend so much time with you.”
Delegates heard of the influences toddlers are exposed to in their food choices and these included the child’s own involvement in preparing and presenting food, and also how their needs are very different to those of adults. “Pre-school children have a high energy and nutrient requirement relative to their size,” explained Crowbrough. “They have a small stomach and a relatively under-developed gut which prevents them from consuming large quantities of food.” This means they have a variable appetite related to fluctuations in growth rate and their level of physical activity.. “So there are times when they may just not be hungry,” she added.
Crowbrough was very clear on what toddlers need – more calories and nutrients in each mouthful of food than adults, and regularity: “We recommend kids to get into a routine of three small meals and two snacks based on foods from the four main food groups; dairy foods, starchy foods, protein foods and, fruit and vegetables,” she said. “Frequency of eating is OK – but not eating all day.”
The speakers introduced delegates to the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF)’s 5532-a-day Perfect Portions for Toddler Tums placemat and guidance, which was developed with funding from Fordham’s team.
The audience also heard how they can play a key role as early-years practitioners by giving toddlers early experiences of food and food play, by giving positive messages to children and their families around the importance of good diet, activity and sleep habits, making eating a social event and through the examples they set. Crowbrough stressed the portions on the placemat are different to the Eatwell Plate for adults. “The Eatwell Plate does not apply to the under-2s due to high fibre, low fat recommendations for adults,”she explained. “Remember; toddlers need the extra energy and will get fibre from fruits and vegetables.”
Further resources recommended by the speakers are available from BNF, the Infant & Toddler Forum, First Steps Nutrition Trust and guidance booklets for early years providers from devolved governments in England, Scotland and Wales.
UPPER TOP Kathy Crowbrough & Katie Fordham