Page 35 - PartA-ResourceV4

Introducing Caring for Children and Young People

Nutrition

Babies and young children need an adult to provide suitable food and drink by
preparing bottles and meals and helping them to feed. Food and drink needs to be
healthy and nutritious to help young children grow and develop properly. During their
first few months, babies will have milk which contains all the nutrients they need. From
about the age of five months, new foods can be introduced, such as pureed vegetables
and fruit. Finger foods, such as strips of carrot and chunks of banana, can be given to
older babies. By the age of 18 months, children can eat a range of foods and need a
varied and healthy diet, which includes fresh vegetables and fruit.

Comfort and reassurance

As well as nutritious food, young children need to feel loved and secure in order to
thrive. Young babies cannot make themselves warmer or cooler and an adult caring for
them will need to be aware of this and ensure the correct temperature whilst keeping
the baby out of direct sunlight or cold draughts. As children become more interested in
the world around them, they like to explore, whilst also feeling safe and secure.

Routine

Babies and young children need to be washed and dressed. They need nappies
changing regularly or help with using a toilet. To help them grow and develop, they also
need lots of sleep and healthy meals and snacks. They need each of these every day,
and benefit from a regular routine of washing, dressing, eating and sleeping.

Learning and life skills

As young children grow and develop, they learn to do things for themselves. They
need lots of opportunities to practise and develop these skills across all areas of their
development. They need space to move – for crawling, walking, running – and objects
which interest them such as simple puzzles and games. Helping with day-to-day
activities, such as tidying up or preparing a snack, is of interest to young children and
encourages them to learn new skills.

33