New Study Links Childcare with Overweight Children
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Montreal and area hospital shows that children have an increased risk of becoming overweight and obese when in daycare or watched by a nanny as compared to those looked after at home by their parents. This study followed children in Quebec ages 1 ½ to 4 years old over the course of 6 years. Researchers found that those who went to a daycare center, were watched by an extended family member, or with a nanny were more overweight 6 years later than were those who stayed at home and were taken care of by their parents. While this study was done on a small-scale, its findings cannot be dismissed. If you are not sure what your children are being fed when not in your care or if they are getting enough physical activity, there is certainly a reason to be concerned.
Here are some ways to make sure your child is getting the right nutritional care when away from home:
Pack their snacks and meals: If you aren’t sure of everything your child is eating throughout the day, packing their snacks, breakfast, lunch or dinner may be the way to go. Knowing what they are eating will keep your mind at ease and their little bodies happy and healthy! Keep in mind raw veggie sticks (if appropriate for their age), fruit, low-fat yogurt, whole grain snacks such whole wheat pretzels, low sodium soups, and lean lunch meats such as sliced turkey are great options for your little ones.
Talk to their caretaker(s): Speak up! Your child’s childcare provider may not realize that your child isn’t getting enough physical activity or eating the types of food you would prefer or the right amount of food for their age. If they need guidance and you aren’t sure of an appropriate menu or amount of exercise or play, contact a dietitian who specializes in pediatrics. They will be able to guide you with what will work best for your child and offer advice and nutritional direction.
Ask to see a weekly or monthly activity schedule: If your child is at a professional daycare center, chances are they have a set schedule for snack times and meals as well as play time. Ask questions and see if they stick with the schedule or if it rotates, and if all children are engaged in the games or exercise time. Ask who is in charge of snacks and how the menu is chosen. Asking questions will help you get a better understanding of your child’s daily routine and give you a clearer image of what might need to be improved.
Suggest activities: If your child has a specific interest or talent, try and include this into their daily schedule. Taking a walk to the park and throwing a Frisbee are simple ways to add in exercise and to get them outside. If your child spends the day with a close family member or a nanny, a fun way to keep them engaged and learning is to cook with them. This will help them learn about healthy nutritious foods while being involved. Staying active along with healthy well-balanced meals and snacks is the key to growing up healthy.
Make time at home and on the weekends: Even though you may take all precautions necessary to ensure your child is getting the right kind of activity and meals when away, you are not with them all the time. This is all the more reason to spend more valuable time with them at nights and on the weekends. Schedule in family time!
Teaching children about healthy eating habits and engaging them in fun activities at a young age is the best way to have them grow up in a healthy environment so that they make healthy choices. It may be difficult to have control of this while your children are in daycare or under the care of nannies. Researching daycare facilities before choosing one and asking a lot of questions are ways to ensure your children are living a healthy life.
If you are concerned about your family’s nutrition, specifically that of your children, and you want to learn more, check out my new program “Healthy Kids, Happy Moms™.” The program focuses on “The FUNdamentals of Nutrition: Teaching Kids to Make Healthy Food Choices™.” The kid friendly nutrition lessons will have your kids’ nutrition savvy in no time, and they will not even know they are learning! There is also a bonus session just for moms and dads! For more information please email me at bonnie@brghealth.com.
Does your daycare provider offer healthy choices for your little ones?
Eversince my child went to school, I personally packed her snack and lunch. Although the government has a policy to serve nutritious foods at the cafeteria, kids can’t avoid to eat junk foods. That’s why I see to it that my kid eats healthy and nutritious foods in school.
Excellent Alexandra. You are doing a great service for your kids.