I love shopping at Whole Foods Market. I always am finding new and unique
products that are healthy for my family and I feel good about serving.

Though this article is geared more toward children ages 3 and up, many
parents have toddlers in daycare where it is very common for your toddler to get
sick. Proper hygiene and nutrition is essential at every age.

Healthy Kids, Naturally

Keeping kids and teens healthy can be a challenge during the busy school year.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone.

Fortunately, there are some simple, and natural, things parents can do to help kids stay healthy and energized for all their activities.

Hygiene. The CDC says that the single most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands. When there’s not sink and soap around, use natural hand sanitizers—wipes or gel—with 100 percent pure essential oils.

Nutrition. Growing bodies and brains need fiber and nutrients to stay healthy. A child’s health can suffer from too few of these good things and too many sugary, highly processed foods.

The USDA Food Guide Pyramid recommends nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. One serving size of fruits and veggies for children equals one of the following:
• 1/2 cup juice
• 1 cup raw leafy salad greens
• 1/2 cup chopped raw, canned or cooked fruit or other vegetable

Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3s, are crucial for development and health of the brain, heart, nervous system, tissues, skin and immune system, especially for school-age children. DHA can be found in fatty cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna, and in DHA-enriched products like eggs and milk.

What about nutritional supplements? If kids and teens are actually eating nine servings of colorful fruits and veggies—plus foods containing all the other recommended daily nutrients—every day, then they probably don’t need them. But with picky eaters, tight schedules, food allergies and more, they don’t often get what they need. In these cases, supplements might be a good idea. But be careful. While it’s easy to find a fun and fruity multivitamin that kids don’t mind taking each day, it’s the nutrients they need, not loads of sugar or artificial colors and flavors.

Rest. Rest, relaxation and sleep are key for handling stress. While moderate stress is normal, the demands of school life can cause stress overload for youngsters and adolescents—and their parents and teachers! Be sure to schedule in downtime and allow for adequate sleep when you’re planning the week.

Kids need more sleep than you might think.

• 3–6 years old: 10 3/4–12 hours per day

• 7–12 years old: 10–11 hours per day

• 12–18 years old: 8¼–9½ hours per day

Stomachaches, nervousness, trouble sleeping, anger flares or infections may be signs of stress. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe, effective ways to handle it. Breathing deep, exercising, stretching, physical play and homeopathic remedies may help.

If you would like to know more about natural ways to help your kids stay healthy, the Whole Body Team Members at Whole Foods Market are well educated about all of the products they offer and are happy to answer questions.

You can also visit WholeFoodsMarket.com for educational podcasts and more information.

Courtesy of Family Features

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While there is no definite answer when exactly you can start to give your toddler peanut butter, there are a few precautions you might want to take.

First if anyone in your family has a history of allergies to nuts or any other food related allergies it might be best to hold off until your toddler is around the age of 3.

If for some reason you have any concerns about nut allergies it is best to wait.

If there are no known allergies it is safe to start serving your toddler peanut butter after the age of 1.

Do not give spoonfuls of peanut butter as it is difficult for your toddler to swallow, also avoid whole nuts as they present a choking hazard.

Signs to look for from an allergic reaction to nuts:

- Difficulty breathing

- Swelling of the mouth/throat

- Hives

- Vomiting/diarrhea

- Loss of conciseness

If you notice any of these symptoms call your heath care provider or 911 immediately.

It is always best to take the advice of your pediatrician.

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Making sure your toddler has the right amount of healthy foods on a daily basis is one way to insure they are getting all the nutrients they need.

Like adults , toddlers also have a food pyramid with the recommended daily amount of fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, proteins, and fats.

Recommended Daily Servings for a Toddler aged 2-3

Grains: 3 ounces

Vegetables: 1 cup

Fruits: 1 cup

Dairy: 2 cups

Proteins: 2 ounces

Fats: Limited

Help your toddler learn their food groups with Melissa & Doug Wooden Food Groups Play Set!

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