Feeding 1 yr olds

[mickyc]

I think of it this way - if you do for one you need to be prepared to do for all. 1 wants an extra snack (even if parent provides) then older kid goes home and tells mom- that mom then requests extra snack for child. 1 wants the snack at 8, one wants the snack at 9 etc. next thing you know you are running around like a crazy person trying to accommodate everyone's requests and demands. If you feed 2 snacks and lunch stick to it. Kids don't need that amount of food and when they go to school they need to learn that they can eat at certain times. Just my opinion

[mickyc]

For myself it's not so much that the kids eat different things as though them not understanding why one gets fed more than them. It's more about the routine of daycare IMO. If one gets an additional snack then they all should get the option.

I once let a family bring their 2 kids breakfast and let me tell you it was the worst thing I did. Timbits and chocolate milk on a regular basis was not my idea of a good breakfast. And of course the other kids were upset they didn't get the treat! I put a stop to it and they just ate it in the car before coming in instead. At least I didn't have the mess or other upset kids to worry about.

Interested to know what you decided to do?

[Busy ECE mommy]

I've given him a drink, but not extra food. At home he's fed something about every 70 minutes he's awake. His intake here is the same/more than the preschoolers. I don't think he needs feeding that often. It is disruptive, as food is served in the kitchen, and I'm trying to supervise the playroom with 4 other kids. I can't be 2 places at once.

[mickyc]

I've given him a drink, but not extra food. At home he's fed something about every 70 minutes he's awake. His intake here is the same/more than the preschoolers. I don't think he needs feeding that often. It is disruptive, as food is served in the kitchen, and I'm trying to supervise the playroom with 4 other kids. I can't be 2 places at once.

Exactly why I would not do it. It is disruptive and you have a schedule/program to run! Good for you.

[5 Little Monkeys]

For myself, we have routine and structure BUT at the same time, I respect that everyone is different. Some kids eat more often than others and if it was needed, I don't mind. The other kids of course will ask why but I'd answer them and move on. Just another life lesson IMO.

As long as it works for you and the family, great!

[Van]

I have four 1 year olds and I would not be able to put one child up in the high chair and leave the others down ,it seems unfair to the others so I agree with you a drink is fine

[bright sparks]

Gahh...another case of difference in parenting that has me shaking my head...Like others have said, you have one schedule for all kids to be on and that includes meals and snacks. Extra is not and should not be made available. If this is truly a requirement then they need to find alternative childcare that can accommodate this request.

[Lee-Bee]

I don't recall hearing the OP mentioning that this child NEEDS food more often. You've noted the child eats well at your meals and the parent feels the child needs more food and that at home the child if fed every 70 minutes. But, unless this child is showing you obvious signs of being distressed from hunger then I don't think there is anything more to do than to tell the parent they can provide some healthy snacks for you to store should the child appear to be hungry between meals provided but that your observations have been that the child is happily playing and is eating well at the table.

Should the child be showing signs of hunger you can decide whether or not YOU want to accommodate or be firm on your current practices. There is nothing wrong with saying it is not an option in your care. Most home providers and surely daycare centers would not be considering this parent request (especially without the child showing signs of hunger).

[Busy ECE mommy]

No definite hunger signs that I've seen. Like I said, if the 2-4 year olds can remain full on my servings, I don't know why a 12 month old can't do the same.

[Lee-Bee]

No definite hunger signs that I've seen. Like I said, if the 2-4 year olds can remain full on my servings, I don't know why a 12 month old can't do the same.

Well, it totally depends on a child's metabolism and how efficiently they burn energy. Also 2 years olds require LESS than a 1 year old. One year olds are still growing at a fast pace and 2 yr olds hit that pause in the physical growth so they require less food.

Some kids need little some need lots. So age isn't really a definite factor. My 3 yr old has always eaten wayyyy more than the average child. We've taken her the pediatric dietitian (more than once) and we are consistently told to trust her judgement on how much she needs to be full. BUT I can assure you the dietitian would not condone feeding a child every 70minutes AND that the foods provided NEED to be foods the adult chooses to serve and not what a child wants/requests. Our daughter eats hummus by the cupful and beans by the bowlful. But she has very little breads and crackers offered as that isn't what she NEEDS.

I would stick to reassuring the family that the child does not show signs of hunger and that the child is eating enough at meals. If you use statements comparing the child's intake to older kids then they have something to challenge you on.