Breakfast is one of the important meals of a child's day. It helps them start the day with energy and be ready to learn, play and join in the various activities at nursery.
In the early years a child needs varied meals containing a range of nutrients, with portions suited to their age, and the meal itself kept simple and easy to eat.
What should a child's breakfast contain?
Breakfast is best when it is varied and brings together more than one food group, such as:
- Wholegrains such as oats or wholemeal bread
- Eggs or cheese as a source of protein.
- Fresh fruit.
- Milk or dairy products suited to the child's age.
- Healthy fats in suitable amounts.
Breakfast does not have to be large; what matters more is variety and offering food suited to a child's age.
Healthy breakfast ideas for children
Parents can vary breakfast rather than serving the same meal every day. Some simple ideas:
Cheese and vegetable sandwich
Bread suited to your child with cheese and a few vegetables such as cucumber or tomato, whichever suits them. Oats with fruit Oats can be served with milk and pieces of fruit such as banana or strawberry.
Egg with bread
An egg with a piece of bread and some vegetables or fruit can make a simple, suitable breakfast.
Yoghurt with fruit
Yoghurt suited to your child's age can be served with fruit, avoiding large amounts of added sugar.
Fruit alongside a simple meal
Fruit can be added to breakfast — banana, apple or orange — to give the meal some variety.
Foods best kept to a minimum at breakfast
It is best not to rely regularly on foods and drinks high in sugar, such as sweets, sweetened drinks and sugary breakfast cereals.
It is also better to choose less processed foods, as close to their natural state as possible.
Most important of all is not to turn mealtimes into a source of pressure on a child; children's appetites and preferences differ from one day to the next.
How do we make breakfast more enjoyable for a child?
A child can be encouraged to eat breakfast by serving food in a simple, appealing way, and by involving them in choosing some of what goes into their meal or in preparing it with the family.
Variety in foods, colours and shapes also helps make breakfast an enjoyable experience rather than just a meal a child has to finish.
The family's part in healthy eating
Healthy eating habits begin at home, and parents can set the example by eating varied foods themselves and consistently offering healthy choices.
It also helps to speak to the nursery about its meal policy and which foods are suitable for your child, particularly where there is a food allergy or a special dietary need.
How Kids Castle looks after children's health
At Kids Castle we want a child's experience to be a complete one, not limited to learning and activities. We also work to build healthy habits appropriate for children.
We encourage families to pay attention to balanced nutrition and to choose meals suited to their child's age, helping them start the day with energy and enjoy their time at the nursery.
At Kids Castle , we believe a happy, balanced child needs an environment that brings together care, learning, activity and healthy habits.
