Firstly it’s important to remember that so far it has been widely reported that children have been less severely affected by the coronavirus. Nonetheless, it can be helpful to consider if there are any factors around a child’s diet, eating & mealtimes worth considering in the current circumstances!⁣
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𝘔𝘺 𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦?⁣
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‘Keep doing’… much of what you’re likely doing already and are likely to have always done anyway!⁣
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My top tips around food & mealtimes are;⁣
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𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐒 where food is prepared, served & eaten!⁣

𝗪𝐀𝐒𝐇 𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐒 (as usual) such as fruit & vegetables – especially those loose that may have been handled by others ⁣

⁣𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝗪𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆– before each meal and snack + alongside the current coronavirus general handwashing recommendations from the government

𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐄- try to stick with a normal routine of meals & snacks for your child wherever possible. Cancellations of events, self-isolation and/or school closures have the potential to disrupt normal routines including mealtimes! Don’t forget to maintain a good sleep routine too 💤! ⁣
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𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐂- children are very receptive to anxiety & stress of others & this can have the potential to affect appetite. Try to remain calm, providing reassurance & routine.⁣
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𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐒, 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒- unless you child is already having or requires a vitamin/mineral supplement there is no need to provide extra! Remember over-supplementation has potential risks too! Don’t be tempted to offer your child ‘immune-boosting’ products, herbal remedies or advice that does not come from a reputable health professional! ⁣
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The best thing diet-wise is almost certainly…⁣𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃 & 𝐕𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐓⁣

Lucy Upton RD – Dietetic Lead