Snacking
Our littlies need to eat more frequently than we do because their tummies are small and they need to be filled up more often.
Three meals and at least two snacks will be needed each day by most under fives. Snacks for under ones are less important nutritionally as they usually get all the nutrients they need from solids and milk (breast milk preferably, or formula). If in doubt, check with your Plunket, Wellchild/Tamariki Ora provider or child health nurse.
We need to be careful that the foods we are giving small children between meals are healthy so that they contribute positively to their daily nutrient requirements. Sometimes snack foods get confused with treat foods which are high in sugar, fat and/or salt. These foods should only be eaten occasionally.
Good snacks include:
- Fruit ? cut up or whole. Give frozen fruit a try, bananas are firm favourites
- Vegetables - cut up and served with dips like hummus, cottage cheese, salsa ? e.g. carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes, cooked broccoli florets or capsicum sticks
- Bread-based foods like sandwiches, English muffins, wholemeal pita bread, pikelets, rewena and fruit bread
- Yoghurt, cheese and fruit smoothies are all delicious snacks.
Drinks
Remember to offer your under five a drink at snack time. Water is the best drink to quench thirst, however, milk is a good drink too. Under fives should be having 2 cups of milk a day or the equivalent in other milk products such as cheese or yoghurt. Avoid offering juice or soft drink, they are full of sugar and contribute to tooth decay.
