Milk and Snack Fresh Fruit

Explain how to prepare and store food, formula and breast milk safely according to health and safety guidelines. Babies between the ages of birth to 24 months have immune systems that are still developing, leaving them more susceptible to germs and bacteria. Bacteria that comes in contact with an older child or adult may not have the same impact that it will have on a baby, which is why it is extremely important that food safety be managed diligently.

In my setting, food is prepared, stored and cooked hygienically. Kitchen area is clean all the time and anyone handling foods have “Food & Safety Certificate” and good personal hygiene. Anyone handling food washes her/his hands with hot water and soap before touching any foods. We have colour codes for chopping boards, knives cleaning up equipments such as mops etc. Aprons ad hats are essential to wear in food area.

We provide food for babies in our setting so parents are not allowed to bring any food because of allergies We store the baby food on room temperature only till one hour and there is no direct physical contact with food(aprons and gloves are used ). We sterilise cutlery on daily basis.

Storing food at right temperature

We store food in refrigerator at right temperature which is 0 degree centigrade to 5 degree centigrade. We store food in deep freezer at -18 degree centigrade or below.

Preparing formula feed

We make sure all the bottles are sterilised before use.

Then we boil the kettle and fill the bottle up to required amount, for example I need to make 5 ounces milk, I will fill the bottle up to 5 ounces, add 5 scoops of milk powder, shake it well, let it cool down and check the temperature on the back of my wrist. Formula milk is ready to use if the temperature is right for child to use.

Storing formula milk

According to the latest recommendation from the Department of Health, formula milk is made fresh rather than being made up in advance and stored. For outings, we take boiled water (at least 70 degree centigrade) and formula milk powder with us Storing breast milk

If any parent brings breast milk for her child, we store this milk properly in fridge at 4 degree centigrade according to recommended guideline. Expressed breast milk is stored in sterile bottles or containers to prevent bacteria growth and is always handled with clean hands. We store breast milk only for one day. We shake bottle properly before using.

Identify balanced meals, snacks and drinks for children in their early years, following current government guidance on nutritional needs. The term ‘balanced’ diet is often used in connection with healthy eating. A balanced diet is one in which there are sufficient nutrients in the right quantities for children and adults (Penny Tassoni). Within the welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage there is a requirement that, where children are provided with meals, snacks and drinks, they must be healthy, balanced and nutritious.

However, even with proper guidance it is clear that there is a need for training on infant and toddler nutrition for all practitioners in childcare settings, to help them to interpret guidelines for the production of nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. Healthy eating for under-fives differs significantly from that for school-age children and adults. For growth, young children need a plentiful source of energy from carbohydrates and fats, alongside protein, vitamins and minerals.

This can be achieved by ensuring that, every day, children eat from the four main food groups: bread, cereals and potatoes fruit and vegetables milk and dairy foods meat, fish, eggs and vegetarian proteins (e.g beans, pulses, soya). Children normaly do not get enough calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin D & E. Sources of these nutrients are listed below: • Fiber- whole grains, fruits and vegetables

• Vitamin E – nuts, seeds, wheat germ oil and vegetable oils • Calcium- low fat and fat free dairy products, rhubarb, spinach, collard greens, and sardines • Magnesium- whole grains, nuts, pumpkin seeds, and white, black, navy beans • Potassium- legumes, potatoes, dried apricots, beet greens, prune juice and dairy products • Vitamin D- sunshine, fortified dairy and juice, cod liver oil, salmon, tuna and mackerel Menu is planned very carefully in my setting considering children’s age and food requirements.

Here is the sample menu for a week.

Mon
Mid Morning Snack
Fresh Fruit
Lunch
Our Popular Fruity Chicken Curry served with Rice

Fruity Vegetable Curry served with Rice (V)
Dessert
Fruity Jam Tarts
Afternoon Snack
Banana Slices
Tea
Tuna Pasta Salad served with Tomatoes and Cucumber
Dessert
Chocolate Chip Biscuit
Tue
Mid Morning Snack
Cheesy Crackers
Lunch
Creamy Salmon Fish Pie served with seasonal Vegetables

Creamy Vegetable Pie served with seasonal Vegetables (V)
Dessert
Moorish Chocolate Brownies
Afternoon Snack
Fresh Fruit
Tea
Asian Tomato Soup served with fresh Bread
Dessert
Fresh Scones served with Strawberry Jam and Fresh Cream
Wed
Mid Morning Snack
Fresh Fruit
Lunch
Polish Kabanos Sausage Casserole, served with Bread

Quorn and Vegetable Sausage Casserole, served with Bread (V) Dessert
Swirly Cheesecake
Afternoon Snack
Tortilla Chips
Tea
Chicken or Quorn Bites served with a seasonal Salad
Dessert
Juicy Pineapple upside down Cake
Thur
Mid Morning Snack
Variety of Maize Snacks
Lunch
Chilli Con Carne served with Rice

Vegetable Chilli Con Carne served with Rice (V)
Dessert
Sweet Bread Pudding
Afternoon Snack
Fresh Fruit
Tea
Selection of soft filled rolls, served with crispy lettuce and Cucumber Dessert
Mini Banana Muffins
Fri
Mid Morning Snack
Fresh Fruit
Lunch
Cheesey Courgette and Polenta Bake served with Cauliflower Florets

(V)
Dessert
Fruit Crumble and low sugar Custard
Afternoon Snack
Healthy Baked Bites
Tea
Mini Jacket Potatoes filled with Cheesy Baked Beans
Dessert

Smooth Fruit Yogurt

If you see the menu ,you will know that children are getting correct amount of required nutrients everyday. Milk and water is essential for snack time to make sure children are getting correct amount of Calcium and Vitamin D.

Babies have organic carrot sticks (very soft crisps) and cracker bread for snack. Some babies don’t have snack. They have their milk bottles. Rest of the food, they have same but we make sure that everything is mashed up properly.