Category: Articles

Judy More, Paediatric Dietitian and Registered Nutritionist
Lucy Upton, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist

Have a healthy Easter with The Infant & Toddler Forum’s suggested menu for toddlers!

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Lucy Upton, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist

Why is salt important for my toddler’s diet?

Sodium, which is in salt, is important for healthy muscle, stomach and nerve function as well as being an essential component in the blood. Children need some sodium to grow. Continue reading →

Lucy Upton, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist

Although the number of people in the UK forced to turn to food banks has been on the rise for a number of years now, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already worrying situation even further. Data gathered by the Trussell Trust shows that there was a 47% increase in the number of people relying on foodbanks during the first six months of the pandemic compared to the same period last year. It seems families with children have been hardest hit with 2,600 food parcels being provided for children every day.
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Lucy Upton, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist

The start of a new year is a good time to consider establishing healthy feeding habits for the year ahead. Toddlers’ nutritional requirements differ greatly from those of older children and adults. Rapidly growing and with small stomachs, toddlers require more nutrients in each mouthful of food.

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Do you find meal planning stressful? Catch up with our very first Instagram Cook Along video series! Continue reading →

Lucy Upton, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist

Christmas is a joyful time of year, however as a parent it can also be busy and sometimes stressful. Between planning festive gatherings, shopping for the perfect gifts, and decorating your home, thinking about the perfectly portioned festive meal for your toddler can be an added challenge. The Infant & Toddler Forum is here to help you create an easy and delicious Christmas plate that will save you time but more importantly, that your toddler will enjoy!

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Judy More, Paediatric Dietitian and Registered Nutritionist

Christmas is a time for families to be together, to relax and to celebrate the season. It can also be a time of extra pressure and it’s all too easy for families to get swept up in the holiday madness of parties, shopping and cooking! Continue reading →

Denise Gray, Midwife

In today’s age of digital perfection, new mums are under increasing pressure to look good post-partum, as if birth was no more significant than a hair appointment. Social media presents us with images of perfection daily, new mums looking perfect with tidy houses and sleeping angelic babies. So, it was refreshing to see Katy Perry giving her followers a more realistic view of early motherhood when she published a picture of herself a few days after giving birth, with a visible ‘bump’, large postnatal pants and nursing bra. Katy garnered widespread praise for this honest portrayal of early new-born life and encouraged a wider discussion about the early days following the birth of a baby.
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Lucy Upton, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21^st century, with recent NHS figures revealing that one child under five is admitted to hospital because of obesity every week. The coronavirus pandemic and resultant lockdown has challenged already difficult circumstances and during this time many children were consuming more higher fat and/or sugar snacks, spending longer in front of screens and missing out on regular activity including physical education classes. Continue reading →

Dr Gill Harris, Consultant Paediatric Clinical Psychologist

Following his recent recovery from coronavirus, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has publicly blamed excess weight for his need for intensive care. He has subsequently declared a war on the UK’s obesity crisis and is planning a post-pandemic public health drive to battle the growing problem. Continue reading →

Katie Fox, Primary School Teacher

Due to coronavirus, playgroups and nurseries are shut and those children due to start school in a few months will be out of routine and away from friends. It is understandable that many parents are worried about getting their children ready for September. Children learn and progress at different rates so there are no set criteria on what they need to be able to know or do when they first start nursery, but if they have had some experience learning at home it could help to make it a smoother transition. Turn taking games, imaginative play, reading, and developing fine and gross motor skills can promote independence, build confidence and help develop simple skills.
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