Healthy eating
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A balanced, nutritious diet is very important for children under five. Food preferences are established in early childhood and it's also been shown that food intake has a direct effect on learning and behaviour.
Why is food so important?
Early experiences of food affect our eating patterns in adult life. And it is known that a child's diet in the early years affects their future health and well-being. For example, deficiencies in nutrients in the early years could lead to future health problems. So, if children learn to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet now, they are likely to continue to do so into adulthood.
Eating a balanced diet also provides them with the vitamins and minerals they need to develop. In addition, healthy eating has been shown to improve learning and behaviour, so food is one of the most important factors in your child's development.
Your child's nutritional needs
Under-fives grow and develop in many different ways. To make sure they get a wide range of nutrients, it's important that they eat a balanced diet consisting of foods from the four main food groups:
- bread, cereals, pulses, rice and potatoes
- fruit and vegetables
- mild and dairy foods
- meat, fish and alternatives
What if my child has problems with food?
Many children have problems with food at some point, from ‘fussy eating’ to toilet trouble. A large number of children go through phases of refusing to eat certain foods or not wanting to eat anything much at all. This is particularly common for children up to the age of five, however, it is a normal part of growing up and asserting independence. The important thing is not to worry or get stressed. Here are some top tips to help you:
- give your child regular meals and snacks rather than allowing them to ‘pick’
- make mealtimes fun – try using brightly coloured plates and presenting the food in an attractive way
- try to remain calm and relaxed
Eating as a family
Sitting down to eat together as a family has many benefits. Research has shown that it can lead to lower weight in children, a higher intake of healthy food and greater self-esteem. Making meal times a social occasion gives you the chance to talk about what you’re eating and your child can also see you enjoying a range of foods, setting them a good example to follow.
Recipe ideas
Annabel Karmel, the best-selling author specialising in food for young children and babies, has given us the recipes below. They're nutritious, fun and very easy to make.
More information
For more information on nutrition for under-fives, visit our Feeding Young Imaginations website.