Preschool Nutrition

Last Friday we had two wonderful speakers, Kristen Killoran and Aisha Hanson! Kristen spoke on preschool nutrition and  here are Kristian's notes. I will post Aisha's notes up soon!

1. The Scoop on Poop

-Some kids poop every 7 days, some poop 7 times/day. Most of the time both are normal.

-Baby poop can be many different colors and consistencies.

-Concern arises if there is old (black and tarry) or new (bright red) blood in the stool. Call your Doctor immediately.

-Pear, apple, or prune juice can help relieve a constipated infant or toddler. 1-2 oz added to breast milk or formula will do the trick for most infants.

2. Ditching the bottle at 1 year

-The sooner the better. Start practicing with an open cup or sippy cup at 6 months.

-Only put formula or breast milk in the bottle. Offer all other beverages  in a cup.

-Substitute daytime bottles for a cup first. Work on nap time and bedtime bottles last.

-Eliminate one bottle feeding every couple days.

-For older babies over 1 year of age, going cold turkey might be your best bet. Good luck!

3. Switching to cow's milk at age 1.

-Try offering 25% milk and 75% formula/breast milk for 1 week. Then, offer 50% cow's milk, 50% formula/breast milk for 1 week. Then, switch to 75%/25%. After 3 weeks you should be golden!

4. Picky Eaters

-Involve them in the grocery store and during meal preparation.

-Try planting a garden.

-Visit the farmer's markets this summer, or Pyrah's U-Pick Farm in the valley.

-"Take it or leave it"

-Offer one consistent meal alternative if you have a thinner child that shouldn't skip a meal.

Feel free to facebook or call me with specific questions! I'd love to help!