Diet and Nutrition

Source local organic produce.  Aim for 100 per cent organic meat, eggs and diary, and at least 70 percent organic fruits, vegetables, bread and pulses.

Always provide fresh home-made meals, cooked in the premises.

Reduce to minimum any food additives, colourings or preservatives, usually found in processed food.

Plenty of fruits and vegs: Eating more fruit and veg is important for us all – they’re packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fibre, which may help reduce the risk of illnesses in later life. Even very young children can have their recommended five portions of fruit and veg every day (a portion is about the size of their fist). But it’s also important to give them a variety of flavours and tastes so they get used to different fruit and veg. And if they do become picky, don’t give up – there are lots of other ways they can get those important nutrients.

Healthy snacks: Many snacks contain high levels of fat, added sugar or salt, so it’s important that young children eat healthy snacks and get into good habits now. What’s more, young children who fill up on unhealthy snacks are less likely to eat their meals. Toddlers and pre-school children do need healthy snacks between meals to keep them going throughout the day and keep them topped up with nutrients. If they’re not given unhealthy snacks in the first place, they’ll be much less likely to want them as they’re growing up. So giving them healthier options now will really give them a head start for a healthy future. How much they have for each snack depends on how old the child is, their appetite and how much they eat for their main meals. Drinking lots of fluids, especially water, is also important to keep them healthy and hydrated.

Avoid Sugar:  From a very young age children can be exposed to excess sugar. This can mean excess energy, which in turn can lead to stored fat in the body. Sugar swaps are a simple way to swap food and drink that has added sugars for things that are lower in sugar or have only natural sugar like fruit. Young children need foods that are packed with nutrients, whether they’re having a snack or a main meal. Sugary foods and drinks can fill young children up leaving them with a decreased appetite. Naturally sweet foods like fruit such as melon and banana are much healthier alternatives to biscuits and chocolate.

Chemicals Reduce

Make sure 100 per cent of all bottles, cups and other food equipment in the nursery is BPA-free.

Supply wooden and organic cotton toys, as they are chemicals-free and hypoallergenic. Avoid battery-powered and magnet toys.

Provide 100 per cent pure cotton, hemp or bamboo bedding bath towels, and bibs. Aim for organic fabrics.

If nursery supplies nappies, aim for cloth diapers, but if not possible, get biodegradable options. Substitute baby wipes with cotton wool and warm water.

If nursery supplies nappy creams and lotions, aim for natural organic options.

Use furniture and nursery equipment made from non- or low-toxicity materials.

Use non-bio washing liquids for washing the soft toys, bibs and bedding. To save energy, turn washing machine on 30’C.

Avoid carpets in the premises where possible! Substitute them with solid wooden flooring, cork and untreated linoleum for the floors. For a softer floor option supply washable organic wool rugs, or relevant. (Carpets harbour dust and mites, so children may end-up with hay-fever, asthma or allergy… or all! Carpets also absorb toxins from the environment, and if it’s pretty new and not completely natural, then it could give off nasty chemicals, such as phthalates and VOCs.)

Hygiene

Wash children’s (and teachers’) hands regularly and always before eating and after coming from outside.

Use pure (organic) cotton flannels – separate for each child to avoid spreading bacteria and viruses. Change flannels on a regular basis, but wash them once weekly to avoid water and energy waste.

Change shoes before entering the nursery rooms in order to keep the floor clean and stay away from nasty bacteria.

Active Children

Active Children are healthier children. Make sure they get fresh air throughout the day by going out for a play or a walk. Spend time outside as much as possible, and always when weather permits.

Encourage children to exercise and be more active. You may wish to introduce yoga classes to promote better children’s physical and emotional health.

Get kids active: Help kids stay active! Kids need to do their bit of activity a day to help them stay happy and healthy. And they need to do it every day to burn energy and help their muscles and bones grow strong. The more active kids are, the less likely it is they will store up excess fat in the body which leads to cancer, type 2 diabetes an heart disease.

Play: Encourage kids to play! It is a great way of making sure everyone is moving around and having fun – and learning at the same time! Playing is a great way for kids to get up and about, keep active and stay healthy. Children benefit most from having a wide range of play experiences, contributing to their health, well-being and development. This can be achieved by making sure that children are able to choose from different games, activities and resources that offer physical, emotional, social and creative opportunities.

Become Eco-Friendly

Follow to 3R principle: Refill, Reduce and Reuse

Look after water and energy waste. Turn off the tap and switch lights when not used.

Provide toxic-free and biodegradable craft materials like home-made play dough.

Plant flowers in the nursery garden or in pots, encourage children to respect nature.

Introduce environment educational activities for children. Encourage children to reduce waste and help them adopt “eco-friendly habits” from early ages.