Why Does Nutrition Matter In Childcare?

Most parents are aware that nutrition is important for their children, but are unsure precisely why. In this article, we look at why nutrition matters in childcare...

Why childhood nutrition is important

Children do not know what foods are good or bad for them, so they will be inclined to follow the lead of their parents or caregivers – such as the staff in a childcare or primary education setting. As healthy eating is rarely discussed outside the classroom, ensuring that you are the main guide in giving them the right types of nutrition is essential for their development. Children who are well nourished have better self-esteem and perform better academically than those who are not, studies have shown.
 
A malnourished child does not necessarily mean that they are thin or underfed, but that they are lacking in certain types of nutrients that are necessary to their growth and functioning. For example, a lack of vitamins can cause deficiencies, such as too little iron causing anaemia. Malnutrition in childhood is linked to various cognitive and health problems which can follow a child into their later life. The most noticeable signs include poorer cognitive abilities than those of their peers, reduced social skills and memory problems. 

How to provide a healthy diet

When planning out a structure for your child’s diet, a safe option is to give them pieces of everything from the standard food triangle. Protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, and products that contain calcium (dairy, such as yoghurt or milk, or soya beans for those following a dairy or lactose free, or vegan diet) are a great selection to start with.
 
Also, make sure that your child gets a full mixture of vitamins, including Vitamin C – found in citrus fruits – and Vitamin D in mushrooms and egg yolks. Plus, essential types of non-hydrogenated fats found in nuts and olive oil are essential for a growing brain, making up 60% of its typical mass, so make sure that you are incorporating this into your little one’s diet.

We serve balanced, healthy meals

Many people are not aware that certain foods are crucial to their children’s development, which is why childcare settings must take on the responsibility of educating their attendees and providing great quality foods at mealtimes themselves.
 
At Woodlands Child Care Centre, we ensure that our home-cooked meals are healthy and balanced, so that your children, aged 0 to 6, will not only be safe and happy in both our indoor and outdoor facilities but be well nourished in our care.