This post is a guest post
There are fun ways to incorporate physical activity into the daily life of your toddler. Taking a stroll in the fresh air and sunshine will expose your toddler to the benefits of Vitamin D. Just be sure to always use sun block to protect skin, both yours and baby’s.
Another great idea for a toddler is a day at the park. What could be better or more effective than exercise that doesn’t feel like it? There are slides, swings, sandboxes, monkey bars and so many other playthings available for a child to run out that excess energy and get a great workout in the process. As a parent, watching your toddler running around with a smile on their face is about as good as it gets. Knowing your child can have fun while maintaining good physical fitness is just icing on the cake.
A key to good health also involves good eating habits. While an occasional treat is perfectly alright, it is the daily food choices that contribute to overall well-being. No one likes to eat food that doesn’t taste good, particularly toddlers, who are more likely to be picky eaters. As a parent, there are things you can do to make healthy food more appealing to a child. If its vegetables, perhaps low fat cheese will make the food more palatable. For cereal, pick those that are naturally sweetened and use low or non-fat milk. Other kid pleasing foods that are healthy include oatmeal, fruit, eggs, and peanut butter. One caveat: only give a child older than one year peanut butter.
Be careful with the calories and sugar that comes in your child’s beverages. Low and non-fat milk is a good choice but not all day. Juice is another source of extra calories. Water is a far better choice since it provides needed hydration, but isn’t a source of empty calories or teeth rotting sugar.
Kids get into messes all the time, but there are many things a parent can do to ensure that their toddler stays healthy. Every toddler can learn to master the act of keeping their hands clean. Hand hygiene plays a big role in helping a child stay healthy. Anywhere a child comes into contact with another child, there are germs. Helping prevent the spread of disease is something every parent can proactively participate in. If a child is known to be sick, skipping playtime can keep others from getting ill. Anytime children share toys, keeping those toys sanitized is essential. Teach your toddler to cover their coughs and sneezes, as well. Another simple thing is keeping a small bottle on hand sanitizer with you at all times for when a sink and soap is unavailable.
All of these things will help keep your toddler safe, healthy and physically fit. Every child benefits from having a parent actively involved in making good decisions for them. And every parent benefits from having a healthy and happy toddler.
