At Northwest Children’s Center, we are committed to serving healthy foods and have been serving certified organic snacks since 2016. We encourage children to try different fruits and vegetables and work on establishing healthy eating habits with them that will have a lifetime of benefits.

For more information on health and nutrition, our nutritional consultant shared a website for the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit focused on public health (www.ewg.org). They are the group that publishes the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists of produce yearly. She explained that these lists help guide consumers concerned about pesticides to make better choices among conventional produce, and lets them know which fruits and vegetables they may want to buy organic. These lists are updated yearly.

Did you know that it can take up to 15 times for a baby to get used to a new food? Remember to try and try again when you introduce new foods to your children. Routine is also important – Young children need the structure of consistent meal and snack times. Eating on the run is ok for most adults but does not work for most young children. At home, turn off the TV and sit down together and enjoy mealtime. Remember to keep meals simple. Easy to eat foods interest young children and will help them develop self-confidence and independence. 

There are many ways families can support healthy eating. These are just a few of the ways you can be successful at home:

• Take your older preschoolers grocery shopping. They may enjoy making shopping decisions with you and being included in food and drink choices.
• Place a fruit bowl on the counter for easy access.
• Make a designated snack drawer that has healthy snacks that your children have access to. (Move party foods to an area that children cannot reach).
• Eat as a family as often as possible.
• Get your children involved in helping prepare food- let them help you with small kid-safe jobs like stirring and pouring ingredients. Remember to thank them for their help!
• Plant and take care of a vegetable garden together as a family.
• Bring healthy snacks with you when you know their stomachs will be grumbling.
• Add healthy foods to the foods your child already likes. (Fruit in pancakes, on cereal, or vegetables added to pasta choices).

Introducing healthy eating habits is important at Northwest Children’s Center. Look for a learning experience for your children that supports your family’s values. To visit Northwest Children’s Center in Cromwell, CT, please call 860-635-3485 to make an appointment.