Ages 0 - 2 Years Old

 Download Healthy Eating Tip Sheet for 0-2 Year Olds: English | Spanish 

Breast Milk Is Best

• It is nature’s perfect “first” food, supplying all of the important nutrients your baby needs during the first year of life. Let your baby decide when to eat and how much. 

Smart Choices

• If breastfeeding is not possible, iron-fortified infant formula is the only acceptable alternative.
• Wait until your baby is 4 to 6 months old before introducing solid food.
• You may switch to cow’s milk after your baby’s first birthday.
• After that first birthday, it’s time to lose the bottle and transition your baby to using a cup. 

Healthy Activities

• Programs such as Mommy & Me and Gymboree are fun for your baby — and for you!
• Set aside time for your toddler to run around and play every day.  

Planning For Success

• As your child becomes more independent, he will probably want to feed himself. Go ahead and let him explore his food. Be patient with spills or messes, and keep a sense of humor handy at all times.

Ages 3 - 5 Years

 Download Healthy Eating Tip Sheet for 3-5 Year Olds: English | Spanish 

Limit the Juice!

• Although it sounds healthy, fruit juice is mostly sugar and packs a lot of empty calories. Limit your child’s intake to only 4 ounces of juice per day. And remember, never put a child down for a nap or bedtime with a bottle of juice. 

Smart Choices

• Make it a family affair — switch the entire family to low-fat milk.
• Let your child decide how much to eat. One portion equals the size of the palm of your child’s hand.
• Disband the clean your plate club! Serve smaller portions and let your child ask for more.
• Offer choices. You decide what to serve at mealtime. Let your children decide what to have for snacks — from among the healthy snacks you have purchased for them, of course. 

Healthy Activities

• Enroll your child in organized sports or classes, such as ballet, soccer or martial arts.
• Do active things together as a family — walk, bike ride, play in the park or swim. 

Planning For Success

• Provide healthychoices at mealtimes, then let your child decide what to eat and how much of it.
• Keep mealtimes pleasant and peaceful!
• When making changes, keep them simple and incorporate them into your daily routine.

Ages 6 - 10 years

 Download Healthy Eating Tip Sheet for 6-10 Year Olds: English | Spanish 

Choose Fiber-Rich Cereals
Fiber is important for growing young bodies. Check the nutrition panel located on the side of the box to make sure the cereal you’ve selected has at least 2 g of fiber per serving. 
    

Smart Choices

• Use the “one-bite” rule when encouraging your child to try healthy new foods.
• Keep the healthy foods your child likes within easy reach.
• Provide breakfast everyday, even if you are on the run.
• Mealtime is family time, so keep it pleasant with conversation and sharing. Avoid using this time for scolding.  

Healthy Activities

• Check out inexpensive programs provided by your local YMCA, and Boys and Girls Clubs.
• Balance every hour of screen time with one hour of active play!

Planning For Success

• Start small and build on success. Pick one small change your family can make together, like eliminating soda. After mastering that, make another small change, like watching portion size.
• Set a good example by not constantly dieting or showing too much concern about your own weight. Instead, focus on the health benefits of eating well and being physically active

Ages 10+ years

 Download Healthy Eating Tip Sheet for 10 Years and Up: English | Spanish 

Break-The-Fast!

• Insist on breakfast every morning, no matter how busy your kids are. Good choices include cereal, non-fat milk, yogurt, fruit or toast.

Smart Choices

• Check with your child’s school to make sure healthy choices are provided for snacks and lunch. If not, pack your own nutritious snacks and lunches for your adolescent.
• Provide a variety of healthy foods for snack time.
• When you must eat out, think of “fast-food fuel.” Choose from the healthier side of the menu, such as pizza topped with vegetables, salads or grilled chicken selections.
• Only serve soda during special occasions, and choose varieties without sugar or caffeine. 

Healthy Activities

• Being a parent doesn’t mean you have to stop participating in the activities you love! Set a good example and stay active!
• Be physically active 60 minutes a day.
• Select television programs that build interest in other activities. 

Planning For Success

• Encourage a healthy body image and accept your children for who they are.
• If you’re trying to help your child lose weight, focus less on dieting and more on educating yourself on preparing delicious healthy meals.