A Healthy Diet

It is important that from 6 months, when the first foods are offered children are encouraged to eat a varied diet.  By the age of 1 year, children should have an established daily routine of meals and snacks based around the four main food groups:

• Bread, other cereals and potatoes
• Fruit and vegetables
• Milk and dairy foods
• Meat, fish and alternatives such as pulses, eggs and soya.

Recipes:  Eating Well for Under Fives

These recipes have been designed as a resource for those who care for children aged 1-4 years. Each recipe to serves approximately 12 child-size portions.

Breakfast           Light meals         Main meals       Desserts        Snacks

               Stock and gravy for infants               Iron rich salads

Many of these recipes have been adapted from the Caroline Walker Trust Eating well for 1-4 year olds Practical Guide and Food Photo Cards (2010). 

Nippers' Nutrition

Please note: 

Child care settings who are part of the Nippers' Nutrition Programme may need to offer an extra type of fresh fruit or vegetable, protein or carbohydrate source to ensure that a variety is given, and that the food offered complies with the Nippers' criteria.  Please refer to the menu planning tool to help you with this, or contact your Nippers' Nutrition Officer for guidance and support.