Mealtime and Nutrition at Infant Daycare

Mealtime is an important part of every child’s day, and especially for infants. It’s a time for them to get the nutrients they need to grow and develop, and it’s also a time for them to learn about food and eating.

If you’re sending your infant to daycare infant daycare San Diego, you’ll want to make sure that they’re getting the nutrition they need. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Talk to your daycare provider. Find out about their mealtime routines and menus. Ask them how they handle food allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Provide your daycare provider with breastmilk or formula. If you’re breastfeeding, you can either pump breastmilk for your child or bring them to the daycare center to nurse. If you’re formula feeding, you can provide the daycare provider with pre-mixed formula or formula powder and bottles.
• Introduce your child to new foods gradually. When your child is first starting to eat, it’s important to introduce them to new foods gradually. This will help them to develop a taste for a variety of foods and reduce the risk of food allergies.
• Offer your child a variety of foods from all food groups. Infants need a variety of nutrients to grow and develop. Make sure that your daycare provider is offering your child a variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
• Encourage your child to eat at their own pace. Don’t force your child to eat if they’re not hungry. Let them eat at their own pace and listen to their hunger and fullness cues.

Here are some additional tips for making mealtime a positive experience for your infant at daycare:

• Create a calm and relaxing environment. Mealtime should be a time for your child to relax and enjoy their food. Avoid distractions such as TV and loud noises.
• Make mealtime social. Sit with your child at mealtime and talk to them about their day. You can also sing songs or tell stories.
• Encourage your child to self-feed. As your child gets older, encourage them to self-feed. This will help them to develop their motor skills and independence.
• Be patient. It may take some time for your child to adjust to eating at daycare. Be patient and supportive.

Here are some examples of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks that can be served to infants at daycare:

Meals

• Breastmilk or formula
• Cereal with breastmilk or formula
• Pureed fruits and vegetables
• Yogurt
• Soft-cooked eggs
• Ground beef or chicken
• Mashed potatoes
• Sweet potatoes

Snacks

• Breastmilk or formula
• Breastmilk popsicles
• Yogurt drops
• Fruit slices
• Vegetable sticks
• Whole-grain crackers
• Cheese sticks

It’s also important to make sure that your daycare provider is following safe food handling practices. Here are some tips:

• Wash their hands thoroughly before preparing and handling food.
• Clean and sanitize all food preparation surfaces and utensils.
• Cook food to the proper temperature.
• Store food properly to prevent foodborne illness.

If you have any concerns about your infant’s nutrition at daycare, talk to your daycare provider. They should be able to answer your questions and provide you with information about their mealtime routines and menus.

Here are some additional tips for parents:

• Talk to your child about food. At home, talk to your child about the foods they’re eating. Tell them about the different food groups and why it’s important to eat a variety of foods.
• Make mealtime fun at home. Make mealtime a fun and enjoyable experience for your child at home. This will help them to develop positive associations with food.
• Be a role model. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. Eat a healthy diet yourself and show your child that you enjoy eating a variety of foods.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your infant is getting the nutrition they need to grow and develop at daycare.