Nutrition and Physical Activity
Recent reports indicate that more than 26% of preschool age children are overweight or at risk for being overweight. Since eating and physical activity behaviors and patterns are established early in childhood and tend to continue into adulthood, early intervention by parents and by child care providers could help prevent the problem of young children becoming overweight.
Healthy Eating
Babies who are breastfed receive the best possible food to grow on, and breast milk is very easy for babies to digest. Breastfed babies do not get sick as often and have fewer allergies.
Early experiences with food have a strong impact on the future eating habits and health of young children. The best time to teach good dietary habits is during the early years. To learn about nutrition, children should be involved with actual food. Hands-on nutrition activities help children develop healthy eating habits and can complement other learning such as math, language, social development and cooperation. Establishing healthy eating habits in the early years in not only important, but can also be fun.
Young children who eat right and engage in physical activity are more likely to grow up to be strong, healthy adults than those children who don't. Good nutrition helps a child learn, concentrate, play and work with others. A poorly nourished child may be restless, irritable, or more withdrawn than a well-nourished child.
That's why it's important for parents to give their young children the tools they need to develop positive physical activity and healthy eating habits. What’s appropriate for each stage of your child’s development? Find out more at the North Carolina Child Care Health & Safety Resource Center.