Question

Describe steps that can be taken to develop a healthy menu for the following groups:
a) Infants
b) Toddlers
c) Children
Be sure mention any food safety issues needed as well as listing special menu items for diverse cultures and those children with special dietary concerns.

Answer 1

Infants:
The infant from 6to12 months they need tasty meals and snacks that should meet their nutrition needs for their development stages. For the first 6 months, they should take breast milk or formulas for their energy requirement. milk or formulas introducing solid foods help them for skills development. Food textures and consistency for their age like iron prevent iron deficiency anemia. Iron-rich foods like cereals, poultry, pureed meat, eggs, fish, tofu and legumes, beans as iron-rich foods meet their nutritious requirement and growth and development.breast milk should be continued when introducing solid foods. food texture important for oral motor development especially when they are chewing the food. variety of colored foods and vegetables, soft vegetables with mashed must be encouraged to taste and adopt the flavors. Avoid foods that chocking. cow milk as the main drink should not be given for 12 months.salt and sugar should be avoided, saturated fat added sugar, salt, honey, sweet drinks, tea, coffee should be avoided. Infant family has food allergy history no longer recommended that particular allergy food. plant-based foods will not meet the nutrient of zinc, vitamin B12 and iron. so introducing iron-fortified food important for neurocognitive development.
Toddler:
Toddler diet is important for their rapid physical growth, health and wellbeing, learning ability, playing and future health. Milk and milk products as a source of calories, calcium, vitamin A and protein are important. if child intolerant to cows milk calcium-fortified soya milk, yogurt, paneer, cheese, custard important.eggs, and fruits, vegtav]bles, whole grain, protein as an important source of energy. nuts and seeds are high calorie and avoid high salt and high sugar important. Healthy fats are important to avoid saturated fats, hydrogenates, transfats should be avoided it avoids the risk of LDL cholesterol.oils and fats should be avoided for up to 5 years and include omega 3 fatty acids fr main brain development till age 5 years. choosing ethnic foods for children should include a nutritional requirement.
Children:
not Introducing unhealthy foods for children is important than introducing healthy foods. children they prefer only fatty foods and sugary foods. encouraging healthy eating habits as a nutritious choice help for a healthy weight, avoid obesity and improve development skills, stabilize moods and shape the minds. It strengthens the child's sense of mental and emotional wellbeing.