The nurse is teaching a class on nutrition and feeding practices for young children. What should the nurse recommend as the best snack for a toddler?

Question

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When choosing foods for a toddler (age 1-3 years), parents should consider the following factors: Safety: Small, hard, sticky, or slippery foods (eg, hot dogs, whole grapes, nuts, raw carrot sticks, popcorn, peanut butter, hard candy, fruit snacks) pose a choking risk and should not be offered. Nutrient density: Foods should contain valuable nutrients (eg, protein, vitamins) rather than just "empty calories" (eg, sugars). Potential for foodborne illness: Children are at a higher risk for developing food-related infections, especially if given raw, unpasteurized foods (eg, partially cooked eggs, raw fish, raw bean sprouts). Healthy snacks for a toddler include pieces of cheese, whole-wheat crackers, banana slices, yogurt, cooked vegetables, and cottage cheese with thinly sliced fruit (Option D). (Option A) Although orange juice is a source of vitamin C, it contains a large amount of sugar and lacks fiber. Toddlers should have no more than 4-6 oz of 100% fruit juice per day. (Option B) Sweetened cereals, especially those marketed toward children, can be high in sugar and low in nutrients. (Option C) Raw carrot sticks are hard and pose a choking risk. Parents should serve carrots and other hard vegetables grated or cooked. Educational objective: Food for young children should contain valuable nutrients and pose little risk of choking or foodborne infection. An example of a healthy snack for a toddler is a slice of cheese.

The Nurse Is Teaching a Class on Nutrition and Feeding