Caring for children from age 1-3

1. Caring for children from age 1-3 December 8, 2011

2. Good Morning! 5/1/14 Todays Agenda: • Review physical development • Learn about caring for toddlers • Meal planning for toddlers

3. Let’s review • Growth – slows considerably – ½ pound/month, height grows at half the speed. • Physical skills improve dramatically • Proportion of head, chest, arms changes • Teeth – care and diet are critical for health later • 1 – 8 teeth • 2 – 16 teeth • 3 – 20 teeth; all of the primary set

4. Motor skills • Grow from simple to complex • Large and small – need opportunities to develop • Safety – so important at this stage!

5. Caring for children age 1-3 • Meal planning • Good hygiene • Clothing • Bedtime issues • Potty training

6. Feed Me…. • Healthy foods – habits developed now influence habits throughout life • Every 3-4 hours – because my stomach is small • But, let me try to eat by myself as much as possible (I know it’s messy, but I need the practice) • And encourage me to try new foods, but don’t force me (I’ll just rebel).

7. What does a 1 year old eat? • Variety of baby foods • Simple foods the family eats – low in sugar and salt • Finger foods – easy to pick up and eat • Small pieces – everything must be cut into very small pieces, skin and hard pieces taken off • Start using a spoon at about 18 months (1 ½ yrs) • Whole milk until age 2

8. What does a 2 year old eat? • Can eat just about anything, though still in small pieces • Reduced fat or low fat milk • They may take a long time and be distracted, so be patient! • Habits are developing • Eating as a family is important • Helps develop motor skills – patience and willingness to clean up are key!

9. What does a 3 year old eat? • Anything! Full set of teeth=easy chewing • Still cut in small pieces • Should be able to use utensils well

10. Meal Planning • Healthy foods from the food pyramid • Color – lots of color – kids love it! • Texture – crunchy crackers, chewy cheese, juicy grapes • Shape – cut sandwiches, vegetables • Temperature – serve hot and cold in same meal • Make sure it’s not too hot! Stir to get rid of “hot spots” • Ease of eating – ground beef or pork chop? • Let’s plan!

11. Ways to make it enjoyable • Include children in the meal preparation • Follow a regular schedule – they don’t like to wait • Keep meals pleasant • Use sturdy, non-breakable dishes • Use a cup that’s easy for the child • Use child-size utensils • Have them sit in a high chair or booster • Be a good example – they will imitate!

12. Bathing • How often should children have a bath? • Developing life long habits • Daily baths at night are often part of evening routine • Fun for children and good practice • Safety! • Drown – never leave them alone • Use rubber mat on bottom to prevent slipping • Cover faucet with something soft

13. Caring for teeth • Brush teeth right after eating • Let them try, then you do it to get clean • By age 3, pretty good at it • Have first check-up at 18 months • Begin flossing

14. Dressing • “I want to do it” • Requires many large and small motor skills • And lots of practice and patience • Start trying to help around 13-14 months • By age 3, can dress independently (help with buttons) • Learn independence, responsibility and self esteem

15. Choosing clothing • Comfort – freedom to move • Size is important – too small can be restrictive • Durability – lots of wear and tear at this age • Economy – find deals or hand-me-downs, they grow out of it fast

16. Wrap Up • Age of “I do it” • Learn to feed themselves, dress themselves • More physical capabilities – exploring the world – safety is critical • Cater to their needs – small food, healthy food, easy clothing, teach them manners and routines