Question

List health, safety, nutrition topics that are appropriate for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. Make sure you clarify which topics are appropriate for each specific age group.

Answer 1

Health , safety and Nutrition

Toddlers

Toddlerhood is the period of one's life in which one is a toddler . A toddler is a young child between the ages 1 to 3 years , who has started walking but not fully mastered it.

Health : Even though their growth speed is much slower than infancy, they need adequate calories and proper nutrients and environment for remaining as healthy children. An average weight gain in the second year of life is 1.4 to 2.3kg , third year it is 1.5 to 2.5 kg. Height of a female child at the age of two is 85.5 cm, at three years , it is 94 cm .For male children the height is 87 cm at the age of 2 years and 95 cm at the age of three years. Adhereing with Immunization schedule is essential to prevent communicable diseases in toddlerhood.

Safety : They are curious to explore the environment and new things. Early stages of toddlerhood is consist of mastering the skills of walking, running and jumping , care must be taken to prevent home accident by preventing falls , cuts and injuries. They may put the smaller objects in mouth, nose and ears. Toys that have removable part should keep away from child's sight. Caustic items like cleaning agents should keep away from children in a locked cupboard.

Nutrition:

Adequate calories and nutrients are essential for the child for the proper growth and development.

* They should get enough protein, fat and carbohydrates.

* Calcium rich food such as low fat diary products, egg etc and the iron rich food such as red meat ( lamb , beef ) , legumes, whole grain breads  should be added to the toddler's diet.

* The meat items should be well cooked and soft .

* Vitamin C is an important nutrient that needed by toddler.  

* Give the vegetables and fruit in their preferred form like grated , minced , raw or finely grated to add to meat items.  

Preschool children : Health safety and Nutrition

Preschool children are active kids and are at the age of 3 to 4 or five. They have to attend pre-primary, nursery or play School.

Safety precautions are similar to toddlers;

* Keep the harmful materials away from the child

* Teach the Child the basic safety rules such as ' Don't cross the road without an adult '

- Instruct them to keep the room and hallway from clutters. Replace to toys and clothes after play.

- Balloons, safety pin , coins etc should be handled care fully

* Keep safety gates at the stair entrance

* Carbohydrate , protein and fat have to be included in adequate amount to the child's diet.

* Calcium (Dairy products , fish , egg ) , fibers (fruits , vegetables , whole grains ) should be there in the diet. Fibers helps to prevent constipation in them.

* They can eat, what the remaining family members eat.  

School age : Health ,Safety , Nutrition:

School age children ( 6 to 12 years ) are attending the schools for their basic education and more active in sports, games and out door activities. The children should be physically active and provide them good family atmosphere to grow as a good personality with values and health.

* Nutritious food is essential to supply the extra calories they burn during their out door plays.

- Nutritious food and healthy snacks should be provided ( 4 to 5 times a day )

- Whole grains 6 to 10 servings, Vegetables 3to 5 servings , fruits 2 to 4 servings per da are needed for the child.

- Carbohydrate, Protein , dairy products , water and healthy fat are the essential items in school age children's diet.

* Encourage out door games and discourage physical inactivity as it can cause obesity .

* Teach the Child about the road safety and bicycle safety

* Instruct the child to use seat belt in car and helmets while cycling .

* Set limits and boundaries for the child

* Teach the Child to identify trusted adults and the difference between good touch and bad touch.  

* Teach children the water safety and teach them to swim .

* Teach them to cover mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing.