PHYSICAL FITNESS AND HEALTHY

SLEEP HABITS IN YOUNG CHILDREN

PHYSICAL FITNESS
Parents can become positive examples for
their children by joining them in physical
activity. Outdoor activities such as playing
tag, swimming, walking, bicycling, flying a kite,
swimming, building a snow fort, and others will
boost energy requirements for a child and
help to build healthy weights.

Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP
Every living creature needs to sleep. It is the primary
activity of the brain during early development. By the
age of two, most children have spent more time
asleep than awake and overall. Sleep directly
impacts childrens mental and physical
development. Babies spend 50% in the two stages of
sleep 1) NREM (Non-rapid eye movement or quiet
sleep) and 2) REM (Rapid eye movement or active
sleep). REM sleep comprises about 30% of sleep for 6
month olds. The sleep cycle is about every 1 hours
for 2-5 year olds.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP
After toddlerhood, children typically sleep 11-13 hours
each night and rarely nap after 5 years of age
Preschoolers commonly experience nighttime fears
and nightmares because of their developing
imaginations; sleepwalking and sleep terrors also peak
during this age. Some sleep tips for preschoolers are:
Maintain a regular and consistent sleep schedule
Have a relaxing bedtime routine that ends in the area
where the child sleeps
Play soft music but no TV in a cool, quiet, and dark
room
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

SOLID FOODS DO NOT MAKE BABIES

SLEEP LONGER
Despite the widespread belief that a bit
of food in a babies stomach will do the
trick, research doesnt back it up. A
baby will be able to sleep for extended
periods only when she has reached the
right level of developmental maturity
and is capable of comforting herself
when awake and not hungry.
Dietz, W. and Stern, L. (2012). Eds. Nutrition: What every parent needs to know. (2nd edition)

FOOD PREPARATION, FOOD

HANDLING, AND FOOD SAFETY
P R A C T I C E S I N E A R LY C A R E

KEEP YOUR INFANTS FOOD SAFE

Bacteria and other germs can make food
unsafe. You cannot see or smell germs. If they
contaminate food, this can cause a foodborne
illness. Your infant has a greater risk for
foodborne illness than you do. This is because
your infant is smaller, with an immune system that
is still developing. You can help prevent your
infant from getting a foodborne illness by
handling foods safely. You can keep your infants
food safe by following certain rules when
buying, storing, and preparing foods.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

KEEP YOUR INFANTS FOOD SAFE

Be aware of certain foods that should not be fed
to your infants. Harmful germs that can make your
infant sick can get into foods through cracks and
openings in food packages. Only use baby foods
in undamaged packages. Do not use cans that
have dents or bulges, packages that are torn or
damaged, or glass jars that are cracked or have
loose lids. Be sure the button on the jar lid is down
and not popped up before first use.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

HOW TO SAFELY STORE INFANT FOOD

Store unopened formula and infant foods in a dry,
cool area.
Do not store infant food next to any appliance that
heats up.
Check the expiration dates and safety buttons
before feeding.
Perishable foods should never be kept at room
temperature for more than 2 hours.
Finger foods should be stored properly.
If you have any doubts about food or formula, do
not feed it to the baby.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

PREPARING BABY FORMULA

Preparing formula and baby foods
Let chlorinated tap water run for 2 minutes before
using.
Bring non-tap water to a rolling boil, or use bottled
water.
Fill bottle with just enough formula for one feeding.
Never leave prepared formula out of the
refrigerator for more than 2 hours.
Throw out any formula left in the bottle after
feeding.
Always wash bottles with hot, soapy water after
each use.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

PREPARING BABY FOODS

Do not serve infant food directly from a jar.
Put a small amount in a dish and feed from the dish.
The food left in the jar should be labeled with the
date it was opened, stored in the refrigerator and
used within 2 days.
Do not feed infant raw or undercooked meats.
Cook table foods at 165 F to kill germs and cool the
food before feeding it to infant.
Grind foods to make them soft for infant to chew
but do not chew foods yourself.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

HANDLING LEFTOVERS AND

HAZARDOUS FOODS
Infant formula should be labeled and kept
covered in the refrigerator after it is mixed.
Unused open formula should be thrown out after
2 days. Breast milk can be refrigerated 5 days or
frozen 2-3 months. Leftover food should be
labeled with the date it was opened or
prepared, refrigerated and thrown out after 2
days. Raw honey should never be fed to infants.
Meats and poultry should be cooked thoroughly
and not pink inside. Fish should be flaky.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

KEEP YOUR INFANTS FOOD SAFE

If you think food might be unsafe, do not taste it,
throw it away. Make sure you and the area where
foods are prepared is clean. Always wash your
hands and utensils used to prepare foods. Avoid
spreading germs by cleaning counters, plastic
cutting boards, and sinks before and after
preparing foods. Use clean sponges and hot soapy
water. Wash the tops of cans and can opener.
Cleanliness is necessary to prevent the spread of
infectious diseases.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

HOW ARE DISEASES SPREAD?

An infectious disease is caused by a pathogen, such
as a virus, bacteria, or a fungus. Pathogens that cause
disease can get on your hands in many ways, for
example, handling food or animals, touching
doorknobs, shaking hands, using phone receivers,
computer keyboards or the toilet. You can reduce the
spread of many pathogens by properly washing your
hands with soap and water. Hand-washing is the single
most effective means of preventing the spread of
infections. The common cold, influenza, ear infections,
strep throat, and diarrhea can all be spread by
unwashed or improperly washed hands.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

WHEN SHOULD I WASH MY HANDS?

Upon arrival at the child care center or when entering a
classroom
Immediately before handling food, preparing bottles, or
feeding children, and after handling food
Before handling clean utensils or equipment
After using the toilet, assisting a child in using the toilet, or
changing diapers
After handling of body fluids (saliva, mucus, vomit, feces,
urine, blood, secretions from sores, discharge, etc.)
After handling soiled items such as garbage, mops,
cloths, and clothing, whenever hands are visibly soiled,
after removing disposable gloves.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO

WASH MY HANDS?

LABELING RULES FOR YOUNG

CHILDRENS FOOD
The FDA and the US Department of Agricultures
Food Safety and Inspection Service have established
special rules to govern the labeling of food for
children under 4 years. These rules, which stem from
the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990,
require labels of foods for young children to include
information about nutrients important to health, such
as fat, sodium, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and
minerals. This helps parents choose foods that
contain the appropriate kinds and amounts of
nutrients a child needs.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

LABELING RULES FOR YOUNG

CHILDRENS FOOD
The childrens nutrition labeling rules apply to most
foods whose labels suggest that the food is
intended for infants and toddlers. This includes
infant cereals, infant strained meats, vegetables
and fruits, junior foods, teething biscuits, and
infant and junior juices. The regulations do not
apply to infant formula, which has special nutrition
labeling requirements.

Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

LABELING RULES FOR YOUNG

CHILDRENS FOOD
Fat is one the nutrient categories essential for
proper growth and development. At no other age
does fat play such an important role as in infancy
and early childhood, a period of rapid growth and
development. Dietary fat serves as a source of
energy, a carrier for the fat-soluble vitamins A, D,E
and K, and as an aid in their absorption in the
intestine, and as the only source of essential fatty
acids. Fat also gives taste, consistency, stability, and
palatability to foods and converts to body fat,
which is necessary to hold organs in place, absorb
shock, and insulate the body from temperature
changes.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

LABELING RULES FOR YOUNG

CHILDRENS FOOD
Labels for foods for children 2 to 4 also must give the
amount of cholesterol and saturated fat per
serving. The % Daily Values for protein and vitamins
and minerals present in significant amounts must be
listed. This helps parents see how a serving of food
fits into their childs total daily diet. The serving size,
under Nutrition Facts, is the basis on which
manufacturers declare the nutrient amounts and %
Daily Values on the label. It is the amount of food
customarily eaten at one time- not necessarily the
amount recommended by dietary guidelines.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

ACCORDING TO BRIGHT FROM THE STARTS RULES FOR CHILDCARE LEARNING CENTERS GUIDELINES ON FOOD SERVICE
AND NUTRITION SECTION 591-1-1-.15:

Compliance with USDA Nutritional Guidelines. Meals

and snacks with serving sizes dependent upon the age
of the child shall meet nutritional guidelines as
established by the United States Department of
Agriculture Child Care Food Program. Meals and snacks
shall be varied daily, and additional servings of
nutritious food shall be offered to children over and
above the required daily minimum, if not
contraindicated by special diets. Please, click the link
BFTS childcare center guidelines to read additional
information from section 591-1-1-.15, pages 30-33.

HOW TO ADMINISTER MEDICINE TO

CHILDREN WITH ILLNESSES
If you are caring for a child who needs medicine, its
important that you know how to give the medicine the
right way. Over the counter drugs are medications you
can buy without a doctors prescription that have
information on the bottle or box that tells you:

How much to give

How often to give it
What is in the medication
Warnings about using the drug
If the drug is safe for children
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

ACCORDING TO BRIGHT FROM THE STARTS RULES FOR CHILDCARE LEARNING CENTERS GUIDELINES ON MEDICATIONS
SECTION 591-1-1-.20:

Parental Authorization. Except for first aid, personnel

shall not dispense prescription or non- prescription
medications to a child without specific written
authorization from the child's physician or parent.
Such authorization will include when applicable,
date; full name of the child; name of the
medication; prescription number, if any; dosage;
the dates to be given; the time of day to be
dispensed; and signature of parent.
Bright From the Start (March 16, 2014). Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.
Rules for Child Care Learning Centers. Chapter 591-1-1. Section 20.

ACCORDING TO BRIGHT FROM THE STARTS RULES FOR CHILDCARE LEARNING CENTERS GUIDELINES ON MEDICATIONS
SECTION 591-1-1-.20:

Written authorization to dispense medications shall

be limited to two weeks unless otherwise prescribed
by a physician. Medication shall only be dispensed
out of its original container which must be labeled
with the child's name.
The center shall maintain a record of all
medications dispensed to children by personnel to
include the date, time and amount of medication
that was administered; any noticeable adverse
reactions to the medication; and the signature or
initials of the person administering the medication.
Bright From the Start (March 16, 2014). Georgia Department of Early Care and
Learning. Rules for Child Care Learning Centers. Chapter 591-1-1. Section 20.

ACCORDING TO BRIGHT FROM THE STARTS RULES FOR CHILDCARE LEARNING CENTERS GUIDELINES ON MEDICATIONS
SECTION 591-1-1-.20:

Medications shall be kept in a locked storage cabinet or

container which is not accessible to the children and
stored separate from cleaning chemicals, supplies or
poisons. Medications requiring refrigeration shall be
placed in a leak-proof container in a refrigerator that is
not accessible to the children.
Medicines which are no longer to be dispensed shall be
returned to the child's parents immediately.
Non-emergency injections shall only be administered by
appropriately licensed persons unless the parent and
physician of the child sign a written authorization for the
child to self-administer the injection.
Bright From the Start (March 16, 2014). Georgia Department of Early Care and
Learning. Rules for Child Care Learning Centers. Chapter 591-1-1. Section 20.

HOW TO MEASURE DOSAGE

The most common types of dosing instruments are:
Dosage cups: For children who can drink from a cup
without spilling. Measure out the liquid with the cup at
eye level on a flat surface.
Cylindrical dosing spoons: for children who can drink
from a cup but are likely to spill. Measure at eye level,
and have child sip medicine from the spoon.
Droppers: For children who cant drink from a cup. Give
the medicine to child quickly before it spills out.
Syringes: for children who cant drink from a cup, squirt
the medicine into the back of the childs mouth where
its less likely to spill out.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.