Wyoming WIC

4½ TO 5 YEARS

4½-TO-5-YEARS-EN-QR

I’m growing up strong.

mom_child_eating
Thank you for helping me LEARN HOW TO STAY HEALTHY.
I will soon be 5 years old, but I still have plenty of growing to do.
  • Teach me how to safely help in the kitchen and to have manners at the table. You don't need to teach me about nutrients, when you provide meals and snack on a consistent schedule every day, you are allowing me to learn to trust my body.
  • Provide opportunities to be active; this allows me to learn how to spend time moving in a way that feels good to me. We can dance to the music, play catch, or take a walk (even inside). Let’s pretend. I can be a bird and flap my wings, or I can run like a horse.

BREAKFAST STARTS MY DAY

Eating breakfast helps me learn. If I don't eat, I am too hungry to think or listen.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I EAT?​

As I continue to grow, I continue to learn about new foods. I’m trying new tastes and textures. My foods will change as I learn.

For me, the amounts are still small. I may be eating more whole foods that are soft, cut up, or foods I can pick up by myself.

My appetite can change from day to day. Don’t worry if I eat more one day and less the next. Keep offering me new foods and add on to favorites I enjoy. We’ll learn together. Eating together should be enjoyable for both of us.

Offer meals and snacks about every 2-3 hours, including something before bedtime.

Create a satisfying meal or snack by offering me a few different foods at eating times.

I eat small portions. A serving is about 3-5 tablespoons or a half slice of bread. Let me eat until I show you I am full.

Here are some examples of what meal and snacks might look like on my plate.

Many of these options can be made with WIC-approved foods!

Breakfast

clementine slices
avocado toast
ES_4half-5_Breakfast_avocado-toast_fried-egg_clementine
milk in an open cup
fried egg
- OR -
banana half
breakfast cereal with milk
ES_4half-5_Breakfast_cereal-sausage-banana
100% fruit juice
sausage link

Lunch

sliced kiwi
small turkey, lettuce, and cheese wrap
ES_4half-5_Lunch-kiwi-turkey-wrap_cheese
water in an open cup
string cheese
- OR -
sliced orange
sliced cucumber
milk in an open cup
peanut butter and jam sandwich

Snacks

sliced apples with peanut butter
ES_4half-5_Snack_apple-slices_peanut-butter
water in an open cup
- OR -
sliced cucumbers and carrots with hummus
ES_4half-5_Snack_hummus-cucumber-carrot
milk in an open cup
- OR -
crackers with cheese
ES_4half-5_Snacks_cheese-crackers_x5
water in an open cup
- OR -
graham crackers
ES_4half-5_Snacks_graham-cracker_blackberries
milk in an open cup
blackberries

Offer snacks between meals. They help tide me over between meals. Plan for two during the day and one before bed.

Dinner

oatmeal cookie
cubed cantaloupe and honeydew melon
cooked cauliflower and broccoli
ES_4half-5_Dinner_cauliflower-broccoli_chicken-parm_melon_oatmeal-cookie
milk in an open cup
cut up chicken parmesan
- OR -
cooked asparagus
breadstick
ES_4half-5_Dinner_ravioli_asparagus-breadstick
milk an an open cup
spinach and cheese ravioli

A serving at my age is about 3-5 tablespoons of a food. Offer 3-5 food items at a meal and build from there. Let me eat until I show signs I’m full. I might close my lips, turn or shake my head, or raise my arm. Let me stop eating and get down when I’m done.

My eating might vary from day-to-day. Don’t worry, that’s normal for me.

Food Groups

These are examples of foods that are in each food group. I may eat more or less than the amount of each food shown.

Make Our Family Meals Relaxed

  • Let's wash our hands before and after we eat. I like to copy what you do.
  • I will help set the table.
  • Let's sit and eat together. I feel special sharing this time with our family.
  • Can we turn off all our TVs and cell phones while we eat?
  • I like to serve myself. Show me how to pass food around the table and practice my manners.
  • I am getting better with my fork and spoon! I can use a napkin to wipe my mouth and hands.
  • I can help clear the table after we eat.

Look what I can do!

  • I can eat with a fork and spoon and wipe my mouth and hands with a napkin.
  • I love to draw and make things. Let's make a picture with the food groups on it.
  • I can take turns. Let's play follow the leader!
I Can Help Pack a Lunch
  • I like to spread peanut butter on bread.
  • I will cut soft foods with a plastic knife.
  • I want to peel hard-boiled eggs, oranges, and bananas.
  • Let me wash fruits and vegetables.
  • I can make a sandwich.
4 YEAR OLD kid eating with a drawing

Let's Play

  • I can run, hop, and throw a ball.
  • Let's play my favorite games like hide-and-seek.
  • Can we make a play date with my friends?
  • We can explore the world together. Let's pretend we are animals in the jungle.
  • In all kinds of weather, we can play safely together.
  • I like stories. Can we read together?

Growing Up Isn't Always Easy

I need you to talk with me and listen. Here are words that are sweeter than candy:
  • You are trying really hard!
  • You are doing a good job!
  • I love you!
  • I am proud of you!

Keep me safe and healthy

Washing our hands helps us stay healthy. We should wash them often for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap.

Help me put on sunscreen when I play outside.

Teach me rules for safety and help me follow them.

Be sure to buckle me into my booster seat before I ride in the car.

Keep me away from tobacco smoke, matches, and lighters.

Before I go to school, make sure I have all my shots and a lead test.

4-5 year old brushing their teeth

Help Me Keep My Teeth Healthy

  • Take me to the dentist every 6 months.
  • Keep up the habit of brushing every morning and night.
  • My own small toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste are all I need. Make sure I spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
  • Help me floss my teeth once a day.

Install this web app on your iPhone: tap ios-share and then Add to Home Screen.

CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position