Healthy Eating
A balanced and nutritious diet is fundamental to the health, growth, and development of young children. Our policy outlines the approach Smart Steps takes to provide healthy food, promote positive eating habits, and support the wellbeing of every child in our care. We are committed to working in partnership with parents, carers, and professionals to ensure that all children receive the nourishment they need to thrive.
A_healthy_balanced_diet_for_children.pdf
Healthier Families - Home - NHS
There is a handy healthy lunchbox guide for parents, which walks through the key components of a delicious, nutritious lunchbox, according to the NHS guidelines. There is also a selection of lovely lunchbox cards which you can print out and include in your children’s box to brighten up their day.
Lunchbox ideas and recipes – Healthier Families - NHS
Weaning Guidance
Weaning is a gradual process that helps babies transition from breast milk or infant formula to solid foods. Here are some key
points to consider when weaning your baby:
- Start at 6 months: Weaning should begin around 6 months of age, as breast milk or infant formula can provide all the nutrition needed for the first 6 months.
- Signs of readiness: Look for signs such as your baby sitting up, holding their head steady, swallowing food, chewing their fists, waking in the night more than usual, and wanting extra milk feed.
- Introduce gradually: Start with small amounts of pureed or soft foods and gradually increase the amount as your baby gets older.
- Avoid certain foods: Salt should not be added to foods as it can overload your baby’s kidneys. Limit salty foods such as bacon, cheese, and some processed foods.
- Include a variety of foods: Offer a variety of foods including starchy foods, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, beans, and other non-dairy sources.
For more detailed guidance, you can refer to the NHS and BDA websites, which provide comprehensive advice on weaning
Weaning - Best Start in Life - NHS