Food allergies are relatively common among children in child care programs. To keep everyone in the child care facility safe and healthy, child care providers must be informed about allergies and be prepared to deal with allergic reactions. Many allergic reactions are minor, but some reactions can be dangerous or even life-threatening, depending on the response of the individual’s immune system. To avoid as many allergic reactions as possible, child care providers should prepare, plan, and know children’s history of …
What foods are unsafe to feed toddlers in my child care program?
Avoid serving foods that may choke a young toddler. Only foods that are soft or will soften in the mouth should be served. Avoid raw carrots, nuts, popcorn, unpeeled fruits and vegetables, hard candies, pickles, hot dogs. Other examples of foods that can cause choking in children under the age of 4 include apple wedges, apple rings, bell pepper slices, cherries, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and grapes.
Children should sit when eating and should not be allowed to eat while …