Nutrition

Tips on Nutrition

Tip 1 - Provide foods from each food group - Provide a variety of foods from each of the food groups to give your child the nutrients needed for growth and good health.

• Tip 2 - Serve three balanced meals every day - Don't let your child skip meals, as this may result in snacking foods that have little nutritional value.

Tip 3 - Develop menus - Plan nutritious meals and snack in advance rather than relying on convenience foods

Tip 4 - Reduce junk foods in the home/child care setting - (e.g., soft drinks, candy, potato chips). Have foods from each of the food groups available. Use fats, oils, and sweets sparingly.

Tip 5 - Read the nutrition labels on foods - While grocery shopping, choose foods that are nutritious. Calories in the form of sugar provide energy but very little vitamins and minerals.

Tip 6 - Check with a physician about vitamin supplements - Some children may need a multivitamin to supplement their diet.

Remeber: One of the most valuable "gifts" you can give to your child is a "taste" for nutritional foods that will lead to the early formation of good eating habits.

Biting

This Bites!

Biting is a part of almost every little kid's life--either he puts his fangs to someone else or someone sinks her teeth into him. How to handle both:

When your child's the biter:

*Get eye to eye with the nipper. Then, using a stern voice, say, "No. We don't bite." Babies as young as 9 months can understand that, and given that they usually bite because they're teething, a gentle but firm no typically suffices. Older babies and toddlers tend to chomp out of frustration or anger and require further action. Keep reading!

*Immediately remove the biter for a mini-time-out, which will help defuse the intense feelings. For most toddlers, even a 30-second break will feel like an eternity.

*Once he's calmer, have him tell the other child "Sorry." Not talking yet? A gentle pat will do. The goal is to introduce the idea of empathy, says David Schonfeld, M.D., director of developmental pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

*If the tot continues to bite a lot going forward, praise him whenever you see him not doing it during a similar situation. You can say something like: "Harry, I'm proud of you for asking Sally nicely to share the toy." Should the habit continue beyond age 2 or after several weeks of positive reinforcement for not biting, check in with your pediatrician.

When your kid's the bitee:

*Wash the bite with soap and water right away, even if the skin's not broken. If there's even a little bleeding, apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. Actual deep punture wound? Call the doctor; she may prescribe and antibiotic.

*Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness or swelling at the bite site, or a fever.