Food and Nutrition

1. Food and Nutrition Meeting babies nutritional needs.

2. Beverages Water, milk and milk based drinks should be available to children throughout the day. Education and Care Services National Regulations State 90 Food and beverages (1) The approved provider of an education and care service must ensure that children being educated and cared for by the service— (a) have access to safe drinking water at all times; and (b) are regularly offered food and beverages. Penalty: $2000. To stay hydrated toddlers need to drink 1 litre of fluid a day

3. Benefits of breast feeding • Did you know, only 56% of Australian babies are breast fed • Breast milk has the appropriate nutrient composition for babies in each stage of development • Helps protect young babies from disease- especially gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses, middle ear infections and the risk of childhood obesity • The sucking aspects of breastfeeding helps shape and prepare the jaw for teeth and speech. • Some research has shown that breast feeding improves intellectual and motor development.* *Get up & grow: healthy eating and physical activity for early childhood

4. Storing and heating expressed breast milk • It is vitally important that babies are given only breast milk from their mother. • Safe handling of breast milk is particularly important because it is fluid from the body! • Breast milk should be stored in clean sterilisedbottles in the refrigerator, and can be kept for up to 3 days. • Breast milk can be frozen in the freezer for up to 3 months if door is separate to fridge, 2 weeks if freezer is part of the refrigerator. • Bottles should be clearly named and dated • Breast milk must be heated in hot water NOT in a microwave

5. Preparing formula, storing and heating expressed breast milk • Infant formula is the only safe alternative to breast milk in the first 12 months. • Cows milk should not be given to babies as main drink under 12 months of age. • Small amounts in food can be given after 9 months. Formula should be prepared and stored in a hygienic manner at all times. • Formula should always be prepared according to the manufacturer’s directions. Formula that is not prepared correctly can cause babies to become; Dehydrated Constipated Under Nourished

6. Storing and heating formula. • All made up formula should be stored in the • refrigerator at all times until needed, and discarded after 24 hours. • These should be clearly labeled with the child’s name, date and used only for that child. • When making up formula at the centre use fresh boiled water, cooled and then given to baby as soon as possible. • It is recommended to ensure safe even heating of bottles they are warmed in hot water NOT a microwave. • Any unfinished formula should be discarded, not stored in the refrigerator for later use.

7. Introducing Solids Breast milk and formula provide all the necessary nutrients for babies from birth to six months. Babies need solid foods from 6 months for adequate nutritional growth. Introducing solids should be a positive experience for babies, as attitude toward foods can affect habits and preferences later in life.

8. When to introduce solids! • Showing interest and increased appetite are indicators that a baby is ready for more substantial food • developing good neck control and the ability to hold their head up independently • being able to reach for and grab objects (such as a spoon) • beginning to show a real interest in food • beginning to chew on their hands and toys • starting to watch others eat and attempting to reach for food • showing that their extrusion reflex has ceased, which allows them to control their swallow so they can take food from a spoon • gaining an ability to close their mouth and turn away if they do not want any more food • having the ability to push a spoon away if they want to stop eating. It is recommended that babies do not start solids under 4 months as their digestive system is still immature. Introducing solids beyond 6 months may lead to babies not receiving enough nutrients and may increase the possibility of allergies.

9. HEALTHY FOOD PYRAMID

10. Recommended dietary intake while in a care service

11. How to introduce solids. • Small amounts at a time • One food at a time, • Intervals of 2-3 days before introducing new foods, ( this allows for any signs of allergy or sensitivity to be recognised)

12. First foods and textures. • Iron fortified infant cereals mixed with ‘milk’ to a semi-liquid form • Smooth fruits and vegetables such as apple or pear, pumpkin, potato, zucchini • As child grows the texture of the food can be more solid i.e. minced, chopped.

13. Recommended daily calorie intake • Average calorie requirements • 0-5 months 650 • 5-12 months 850 • 1-3 years 1300 • 4-6 years 1800 • 7-10 years 2000

14. Providing for vegetarians and vegans There can be many reasons why some people prefer to be vegetarians. These can be religious, cultural, environmental, financial, health or just preference. An important aspect of managing a child’s vegetarian diet is to ensure that there is appropriate balance. When meat is excluded from the diet, protein and iron rich food such as nuts, seeds , legumes and tofu (soy bean) must be included. The difference between a vegetarian and a vegans diet A vegan does not eat any animal including fish or any product from animals such as eggs, milk butter etc.

15. Regulations 91 Service providing food and beverages (other than water) (1) The approved provider of an education and care service that provides food and beverages (other than water) to children being educated and caredforby the service must ensure that— (a) the food and beverages provided are nutritious, varied and adequate in quantity; and (b) the food and beverages provided are chosen having regard to the dietary requirements of individual children taking into account— (i) each child's growth and development needs; and (ii) any specific cultural, religious or health requirements; and (c) a weekly menu is displayed at a place at the education and care service premises accessible to parents of children being educated and cared for by the service accurately describing the food and beverages to be provided by the service each day. Penalty: $2000.

16. Allergies,Anaphylaxis and food intolerances, Food allergy is an immunological reaction to food proteins. In most cases some of the protein is absorbed from the intestinal tract intact rather than being digested as most proteins are. When this intact protein enters the bloodstream. It is recognised as a foreign protein and the body reacts to it

17. bestchance Training Symptoms • Symptoms usually appear within 30 minutes and can be mild to severe • Symptoms that may appear:- • vomiting • Itching • breathing problems • diarrhoea • sneezing • asthma • hives • eczema • swelling of areas of body

18. bestchance Training Statistics • 8% babies under 12 months • 3% children under 3 • 3 % children under 5 • 1% of adults • However this is rising each year

19. bestchance Training Common allergens • Milk • Egg • Soybean • Sesame seeds • Cereals (gluten) • Nuts • Chocolate • Fish/seafood

20. bestchance Training Food Intolerance • A pharmacological reaction to the chemicals/additives in foods. (drug reaction) • Symptoms • drowsiness • irritable bowel syndrome • behaviour problems (ADD, ADHD) • fatigue • headaches • muscular aches and pains

21. Cultural and Religious Food Influences Cultural and religious traditions influence:- • The ways in which food is prepared and served • When and how it is eaten • Types of foods that can be eaten • Acceptable behaviour when eating

22. bestchance Training Some typical food requirements • Islamic….Halel • Jewish… Kosher • Hindu….No beef eaten or contact • Seventh Day Adventist…No meat • Vegetarian…..No meat products • Vegan……..No animal products