Healthy lunch box ideas
Around this age your child may be attending an early years setting such as a childminder or nursery and you may have to provide a packed lunch for them. Here is some information around healthy lunch box ideas;
- use leftovers from your meal from the night before (ensure this is kept in the fridge overnight)
- use an ice block or frozen bottle of water in the lunchbox to keep the items cool
- have a range of bread products in your freezer to add variety over the week
- you don't need to buy snacks branded for children. Pack small portions of family snacks such as breadsticks or rice cakes
- many supermarkets sell children's sized fruit. This is often a smaller portion and cheaper than full size.
- some settings may allow hot meals to be brought in, using a thermal flask but please discuss with your child's setting in advance
- making packed lunches with your child can be a fun activity to do together. This can also be helpful if your child is a picky eater as they can see the foods being provided.
When your child starts school, from Reception through to year 2 your child will receive free school meals - Apply for free school meals
Eating Well: Packed Lunches for 1 to under-5 Year Olds (PDF/Digital Download only)
The Eatwell Guide
The Eatwell Guide is a visual plate showing the foods that we need to eat to achieve a healthy, balanced diet for the whole family. The Guide shows the different food groups and the nutritional benefits for our bodies.
The Eatwell Guide is for children over the age of 2 years old. Try to include all of these food groups over the course of the day or week rather than having them all at every meal. It is important to keep in mind not to focus on each meal but what your child eats over the course of a week.
Fussy eating
Many children will go through periods of fussy or picky eating It is normal for parents to worry about this.
It is important to think about what your child has eaten over the day, a few days or even the week. It is likely they are eating from all the food groups over this period.
Try to stay consistent with the meals you are providing. Keep offering your child your normal family meals and continue offering new foods regularly, alongside the foods your child already enjoys.
For more information visit Fussy eaters
If you are concerned about your child's weight or continue to worry about your child's diet call the Health Visiting Service on 01702 534913 for further support.
Physical Activity
Being active is an important part of a child's growth and development. Physical activity will help to improve fine motor and gross motor skills and supports your child to lead a balanced lifestyle.
It is recommended that toddlers should have at least 180 minutes (3 hours) of physical activity. This should be spread out during the day and include being outdoors.
Activities can include
- messy play
- skipping
- dancing
- action Rhymes
- running
- chasing balls
- playing in/with water (supervised at all times)
- swimming
- hide and seek games
- riding a bike/scooter
- jumping
- climbing
Physical activity at this age can include times when children are moving around your home. For example, climbing the stairs or pushing large objects such as pushchairs.
Children should not be inactive for long periods of time, except when asleep. Watching television, travelling by car, bus, train, or buggy is not part of your child's physical activity.
Oral health
It is recommended to register your baby with a dentist when their first tooth arrives. This not only helps to keep your child's teeth healthy but also helps them to become familiar with the environment. Check-ups at the dentist are recommended every six months. Find a dentist - NHS
It is important to have tooth brushing embedded in your child's daily routine, brushing twice a day with the most important time being just before bed.