MISSION,
Kan., May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family
Features) Summer is the time to get outside and remember the
importance of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed as a family.
Encouraging children at an early age to participate in outdoor
exploration can help foster lifelong skills.
For example, research published in the "International Journal of
Environmental Research and Public Health" found associations
between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain
activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity and
sleep. What's more, kids who play and take part in outdoor
adventures learn skills like problem solving, according to the
American Academy of Pediatricians.
However, for many families with little ones, this summer might
be their first foray into activities like exploring playgrounds or
enjoying backyard campouts.
Opportunities to be more active outdoors bring obvious benefits.
With that in mind, it's important that families embark on these
activities with the proper fuel.
All the energy kids burn playing outdoors and taking on new
adventures can work up an appetite, making it an opportune time to
introduce new foods. It might even be a little one's first time
trying seasonal fruits and veggies that can help nourish family
playtime.
"A healthy curiosity and freedom to explore are essential
ingredients for successful adventures, but fueling all of that fun
is equally important," said Sarah
Smith-Simpson, PhD, principal food scientist at Gerber.
"Kids need well-balanced nutrition from a variety of sources to
fuel their summertime play."
Ensure your family is ready to make memories and enjoy the
exciting adventures ahead with these tips from Smith-Simpson:
Get Colorful with Fruits and Veggies
Serving a rainbow
of colors with an assortment of fruits and veggies means
nutrient-rich snacks that are equal parts flavorful and fun. One of
the best parts about fruits is they're easily transportable to
bring along for warm days exploring a nearby park. They're perfect
for a quick snack on the go – just cut them according to your
child's age and developmental stage to avoid hazards like choking
then pack them in a small cooler to keep from spoiling. For
preschool-age children, a variety of fresh produce can help them
practice color recognition while enjoying favorite flavors.
Stocking your refrigerator and pantry with apples, oranges,
bananas, green and purple grapes, blueberries, blackberries and
more allows children to explore a world of nutrition with bright
colors that catch their attention.
Pack Plenty and a Variety of Snacks
It's the time of
year when infants and young children need extra fuel for playtime,
making it important for parents to offer a variety of nutritious
foods and flavors. A key part of inspiring exploration in young
children begins with nutrient-rich snacks that help fuel their
adventures. Introducing diverse foods can help expand palates and
provides a wide range of nutrients to support the entire
family.
When introducing foods into a child's diet, consistency is key.
Experts say babies may need to try a new food up to 10 times before
they like it. With a variety of Clean Label Project-certified
snacks, Gerber offers solutions you can incorporate into little
ones' diets and bring along for family fun. Some snacks to consider
for ages 12 months and over are toddler pouches in Apple Mango
Strawberry and Banana Blueberry. For babies in the crawling stage,
consider Lil' Crunchies Mild Cheddar snacks.
Hydrate on the Go
Avoid dehydration by ensuring you're
bringing enough water for the entire family on all your summertime
trips, whether they're around the block or across the country. Use
refillable bottles for mom and dad, and for little ones, be sure to
pack non-spill sippy cups for toddlers that help avoid messes. Fill
a larger container with clean water from home you can use to refill
everyone's cups, bottles and canteens to stay hydrated throughout
the day.
Find more family-friendly resources, including recipe ideas,
meal planning tips and guidance on age-appropriate food
introductions, at gerber.com/parenttalk.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Michael French
mfrench@familyfeatures.com
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com
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