about their child’s food allergies or specific dietary needs. The most common food allergies include milk, tree nuts, eggs, peanuts, fish, wheat, shellfish, and soybeans. If a child has an allergy, you may need to use separate cutting boards or kitchen utensils to prevent cross-contamination. Also, communicate with parents about your cleaning practices. When done properly, plain soap and water are best for washing hands and for keeping food prep and serving areas clean. Learn about the health risks of harsh disinfectants and common hand sanitizing products.
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• Provide protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, and eggs. These foods are rich in nutrients such as iron, zinc, choline, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for a child’s growth and development. • Offer dairy products in moderation. Regularly add some dairy products like baked dairy, yogurt, and cheese to the menu. Greek yogurt is especially high in protein. But keep an eye on the sugar content of flavored yogurts! Keep in mind that too much cow dairy can contribute to iron deficiency in infants and lead to constipation in toddlers. • Include whole grains, legumes, and seeds. These carbohydrates feed a child’s microbiome. They also contain fiber like cellulose, which promotes healthy digestion. Try sprinkling ground flaxseed or cinnamon on top of lunches for added fiber.
Here are six tips for creating a healthy daycare menu:
• Emphasize fruits and vegetables. At Tiny Health, we encourage “eating the colors of the rainbow” to support gut health. Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. Yet toddlers can be picky eaters! Even if the children in your daycare aren’t receptive to certain fruits or veggies at first, continue to offer them. Different colors and textures can help keep a child’s food
• Avoid serving processed foods and snacks: While
120 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 1
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