3 Tips for Fueling Summer Adventures
Summer is the time to get outside and Sremember 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 .
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 .
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 .
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