1 Providing Care for Toddlers Years 1-3

2 Feeding Toddlers Between the first and fourth birthdays, children acquire food habits and attitudes that influence their eating throughout life! They also learn to feed themselves helping to improve their small motor skills.

3 Finger Foods Finger foods are popular with young children. Finger Foods allow children to feed themselves because the foods can be easily handled. This increases coordination and independence.

4 Appropriate Finger – Foods for One Year Olds Cheese chunks Peas Cooked carrot Slices Melon or Banana Pieces Scrambled Eggs

5 Should I force my child to eat certain foods? NO!! During the second year, mealtimes can become a battle of wills between a toddler and parent. They want to choose what they will eat. Rather than forcing the child to eat a particular food, wait until the next meal and offer a substitute food until the phase passes.

6 At 3- children need three meals a day plus nutritious snacks By the age of 3, children should be able to eat the same foods as the rest of the family? With a full set of primary teeth, they can chew foods. Meats and other tough foods should still be served in small pieces.

7 Food Serving Sizes for Toddlers The amount an individual child eats will vary from day to day, depending on appetite and activity level. A general rule is serve about one tablespoon (15 ml) of fruit, vegetables and meat for each year of life.

8 Choosing Foods for Children Colorful foods add interest to a meal. A variety of textures makes the meal more pleasing. Shapes- children a variety of shpes interesting and it helps them identify shapes! (try using cookie cutter shapes to makes interesting sandwiches)

9 Choosing Toddler Foods Temperature – use moderate temperatures, since most children do not like extremely hot or cold foods. (except ice cream!) Choose easy to eat foods to avoid frustration (ground beef easier to eat than steak). PS- Children love spaghetti!

10 Mealtime Tips! Mealtimes should be fun and an opportunity for toddlers to socialize. Keep mealtime pleasant- uses praise and avoid criticism (manner improve with age) Keep mealtimes on a regular schedule. Use child size, sturdy, unbreakable dishes. Choose a cup the is easy to hold (not tippy!) Remember children imitate others. Set a good example in manners and healthy food choices.

11 Enjoy Mealtimes with Toddlers! Never use food as a punishment or bribe. Eating healthy food should be an expected behavior. Saying, “You can’t have a cookie until you eat all your vegetables” gives the impression that vegetables are bad and cookies are good.

12 Bath Time Parents need to develop good attitudes and cleanliness skills in children. All young children need attention and supervision while in the tub. Never leave a child in tub alone- even for a minute! Toddlers have fun in the bath and consider it more play than a place to get clean. Toddlers can learn to wash rinse and dry themselves fairly well (except the neck and back)

13 Dressing Toddlers Self- dressing skills is a long process for toddlers because it requires large and small motor skills which must be learned one step at a time. Patience is important!

14 Choosing Children’s Clothing Comfort- clothes should allow for free movement ( clothes that stretch and move). Durability – Children’s clothes receive hard wear and frequent laundering (denim good choice for overalls). Economy- Children outgrow their clothes quickly (look for hems or cuffs that can be altered as the child grows).

15 Cotton Fabric Cotton is a good fabric choice for children’s clothing because it launders well ( but may shrink), does not irritate skin, and absorbs moisture so it is comfortable to wear. Cotton is a natural fiber- made from plants or animals. (wool, silk and linen are also natural) Synthetic fibers- (e.g., polyester, nylon) manufactured from chemicals rather than natural sources, are often used in children’s clothes. They are durable, wrinkle resistant and quick-drying, and require little to no ironing.

16 Sleeping/ Bedtime Toddlers require less sleep than babies and they may not want to sleep easily or willingly. Two year olds still require an afternoon nap. By three, most children give up naptimes.

17 Make sure child’s needs are met at Bedtime. Be patient and gentle, but firm and consistent in bedtime routines (may call back to parents repeatedly for a drink, another story, or trip to the bathroom). Use a nightlight (may be afraid of the dark) Nigh time fears may cause a child to wake up in the middle of the night or get out of bed. Love and understanding are essential!

18 Successful Toilet Training! Most children begin toilet training between 18 months and 3 years. However there is no set age- children reach the needed physical maturity at different ages. Parent attitudes toward toilet training are very important-(being overly strict may cause long-lasting emotional problems for a child). Interest and calm encouragement are more effective than rules and punishment.

19 Readiness for Toilet Training ? A child must be physically mature enough to toilet train. A child must be able to control his/her sphincter muscles (muscles that control elimination). A child must be able to recognize body sensations that precede elimination.