Calling all parents and carers to be part of THE biggest ideas-sharing activity in the UK!
Last year, the (Infant & Toddler Forum) ITF launched the #rethinktoddlerportionsizes campaign to help raise awareness, that it’s not just what we put on toddlers’ plates – it’s also how much. Using the helpful portion size plates images, the campaign clearly showed how much food should be offered to young children. The feedback from parents was one of genuine surprise at the amount of food recommended for 1-4 year olds. However, there was also a real appetite for more information on how they can feed their toddlers the right balance of foods in the right amounts.
This year, the ITF are asking parents and carers to Think Toddler-Sized and to share their suggestions on how we can make feeding toddlers easier.
The ITF have created helpful guidance on what foods and in what amounts we should be feeding toddlers, but we know that for this to be used by everyone caring for little ones, it needs to be practical and easy to use.
The ITF has joined forces with the Pre-school Learning Alliance, Netmums and PACEY to ask you, as those who care for and feed toddlers, to take this expert advice and put forward your suggestions on what else is needed. Whether you already have a method which you use to feed toddlers or if you have an inkling of an idea, we need YOU to help solve this challenge!
Judy More, Paediatric dietitian and member of the ITF, says: ‘Last year’s campaign reinforced what we already knew, that some parents find feeding their toddlers a challenge as they are not sure about the best foods to offer, and how much they should expect their toddler to eat. However, we know that those caring for toddlers are constantly innovating to solve everyday challenges. So, who better to recommend practical ideas to help take the guidance and make it easy for everyone to use’.
The Challenge
Your answer to the Think Toddler-Sized Challenge could involve repurposing something already in the kitchen, an app, or something brand new that you create from scratch. How can you take all the ITF’s guidance and make it PRACTICAL and easy for all parents to follow every day at every meal?
This is a lot to think about, so just remember the following:
- Which types of foods in the right balance– carbs, protein, dairy and fruit/vegetables
- How often different types food should be offered every day
- How much should be on the plate – think toddler portions
I’ve uploaded my idea of using colour coded measuring cups which correspond colour wise to the particular different food groups which should be present in each meal. These would make it super quick and easy to get the balance right. Also children will enjoy joining in and so they will learn the basics of getting the balance right too.
Take part and win
Register and submit your thoughts by 11pm on 18/06/2017 for a chance to win £1,000 Join the biggest parenting ideas community where you can share, comment, vote and have the chance to win £1000 and two £500 runners-up prizes!
Spot cash prizes of £100 for commenting and engaging are also up for grabs if you don’t have your own idea!
Visit http://bit.ly/ToddlerSizedChallenge to find out more, join in and share!
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.