Menu Planning

Providing a menu that meets the nutrition and developmental needs of infants and young children does not need to be difficult. Menu planning can help establish a pattern of nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. A combination of foods from the five food groups within a daily menu plan provides a balanced diet. When planning a menu, choose food according to budget and accessibility of foods, cultural habits and traditions, food allergy and intolerance, and food preparation time.

Infants

Infants should always be fed on demand. It is inappropriate to impose a feeding schedule on infants. For the first 4 to 6 months of life, infants only need breast milk or formula, and because infants stomach are small, frequent feedings are needed. From around 6 moths, infants need solid food in addition to breast milk or formula, for adequate nutrients and energy. Iron enriched foods should be among the first foods introduced to infants to prevent iron deficiency. Iron enriched foods include:

Iron fortified cereals pureed meats poultry and fish beans and legumes

Infants

Nutrition education can be incorporated in all aspects of their curriculum. School age children are more responsible for selecting their own foods, since they are less likely to experience fewer food related feeding problems. School age children are often willing to eat a wider variety of foods. Many food habits, likes, and dislikes are set during this time. Family, friends, and the media influence their food choices and eating habits. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast boosts children intake of key vitamins and minerals. Children should always eat breakfast, they need a well balanced meal at the start of the day to give them energy and help them concentrate. At this age, children are able to help prepare meals, giving them the hands on experience needed to develop a healthy