Review Empirical Evidence of The Role of Nutrition and Exercise in the Health and Physical Development of Children in the Birth to Two Age Range. What Are the Educational Implications?
Wellbeing is a multidimensional concept that includes physical, emotional, social, and cognitive dimensions. Children have the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including the right to good nutrition, clean water, and adequate sanitation, as stated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNICEF, 1989). Physical health and wellbeing refer to the body's ability to function well, be physically active, and avoid illness or injury. Nutrition and exercise play a crucial role in maintaining physical health and wellbeing, particularly in the birth to two age range (WHO & UNICEF, 2003).
In Australia, the
National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education and Care sets a
benchmark for the quality of care and education provided to children. Standard
2.1 requires that "Each child's health is promoted" and "reasonable
steps are taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases" (ACECQA,
2009). This standard reflects the importance of ensuring that children's
physical health and wellbeing are a priority in early childhood settings.
Research has shown
that good nutrition is essential for growth and development in children.
Nutrient deficiencies can have a significant impact on a child's physical,
cognitive, and emotional development. (WHO & UNICEF, 2003). Similarly,
physical activity and exercise are crucial for promoting physical health and
wellbeing. Exercise can improve bone health, muscular strength and endurance,
cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases.
Therefore, nutrition and exercise play a significant role to support children's physical health and wellbeing in early childhood education and care settings.
ROLE OF NUTRITION
TO PHYSICAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Good nutrition is
crucial for the healthy development of young children. It plays a significant
role in physical growth, cognitive and brain development, and establishing
healthy eating habits in adulthood. Proper nutrition can contribute to optimal
health outcomes for children, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases
later in life. In this section, we will discuss the role of nutrition in
physical health and wellbeing in children aged 0-2 years.
According to the
WHO, good nutrition is essential for children's healthy growth and development.
Infants and young children need sufficient energy and nutrients to support
their rapid growth and development. Adequate intake of macro- and
micronutrients during this critical period can have long-term benefits,
including improved cognitive function and better health outcomes (Black &
Aboud, 2011).
Breastmilk is the
optimal source of nutrition for infants. It provides all the nutrients required
for healthy growth and development, including protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Breastmilk also contains bioactive components that protect infants against
infections and diseases (Victora et al., 2016). Infants who are not breastfed
are at a higher risk of malnutrition, infectious diseases, and mortality
(Bhutta et al., 2013).
Complementary
feeding, which involves introducing solid foods to infants, is a critical
transition period that requires attention to ensure optimal nutrient intake.
Adequate complementary feeding practices can improve nutrient intake, growth,
and development in infants and young children (Lutter et al., 2011).
One example of the
impact of nutrition on children's health is the prevalence of iron deficiency
anemia in young children. Iron deficiency anemia can impair cognitive
development, physical growth, and immune function (WHO, 2003). Approximately 8%
of children aged 1-3 years in Australia have iron deficiency anemia (Australian
Bureau of Statistics, 2013) (Scott et al., 2019).
The National
Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has developed dietary guidelines
for children aged 0-2 years. The guidelines provide advice on the recommended
daily intakes of nutrients, food groups to consume, and feeding practices to
support optimal growth and development. It emphasize the importance of
breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, and avoiding unhealthy foods
and drinks (NHMRC, & Department Of Health And Ageing, 2013).
In an early
childhood setting, educators can promote healthy eating habits by providing
nutritious meals and snacks, modeling healthy eating behaviors, and involving
families in nutrition education. Educators can also monitor children's growth and
development and identify any issues related to nutrition or feeding practices.
Collaboration with health professionals, such as dietitians, can also support
optimal nutrition for young children in early childhood settings.
HEALTHY EATING AND
TYPES OF FOOD
Healthy eating
plays a crucial role in promoting the physical health and wellbeing of
children. A healthy diet, which includes a variety of foods from all food
groups, provides essential nutrients required for growth and development, and
helps prevent the development of chronic diseases later in life. In this
section, we will discuss the importance of healthy eating and the types of food
that are essential for children in the birth to two age range.
According to the
WHO, a healthy diet includes a variety of foods from all food groups, including
fruits, vegetables, grains, protein-rich foods such as meats, fish, eggs,
legumes, and nuts, and dairy products. Research has shown that a healthy diet
during early childhood can have long-lasting effects on health outcomes later
in life (Denney-Wilson et al., 2015). A study conducted by Kiefner-Burmeister
et al. (2014) found that children who consumed a healthy diet during their
first two years of life had higher cognitive development scores at four years
of age, compared to children who did not consume a healthy diet.
In Australia,
there are several laws and regulations that aim to promote healthy eating in
early childhood settings. The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood
Education and Care (NQF) sets standards for children’s health and wellbeing,
including requirements for providing nutritious meals and snacks (ACECQA,
2017). Additionally, the Australian Government’s Healthy Eating Advisory
Service provides advice and resources for early childhood services to promote
healthy eating and physical activity (Healthy Eating Advisory Service, 1982).
Early childhood educators play a crucial role in promoting healthy eating habits in young children. Educators can promote healthy eating by providing nutritious meals and snacks, involving children in meal preparation and planning, and creating a positive eating environment (Ward et al., 2017). Educators can also work with families to promote healthy eating habits at home and provide education on the importance of healthy eating for children’s physical health and wellbeing.
THE IMPORTANCE OF
EXERCISE
Exercise is an
essential element of a child's physical health and wellbeing. Regular physical
activity is necessary for healthy growth and development, as well as for preventing
chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Exercise can
improve children's physical fitness, motor skills, cognitive function, and
social skills. In this body paragraph, we will discuss the importance of
exercise for children aged birth to two, the theoretical and empirical evidence
that supports this, and the implications for early childhood education.
Physical activity
plays a crucial role in the development of young children, as it contributes to
the growth and maintenance of strong bones, muscles, and organs. Exercise can
help to build gross motor skills such as crawling, rolling, sitting, and
standing, which are essential for infants and toddlers. Exercise also helps to
improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and balance. Furthermore,
regular physical activity can enhance cognitive function, including attention,
memory, and problem-solving skills.
Several
theoretical perspectives emphasize the importance of exercise in early
childhood development. The developmental systems theory posits that motor
development and cognitive development are interdependent, and that physical
activity can enhance the development of both domains (Clark & Metcalf,
2002). The ecological systems theory highlights the importance of physical activity
in shaping children's social environments and promoting social skills
(Bronfenbrenner, 1979). Empirical research has demonstrated the benefits of
exercise for young children. A study conducted by Timmons et al. (2007) found
that increased physical activity in early childhood was associated with
improved motor skills and cognitive function.
In early childhood
settings, physical activity should be incorporated into daily routines and
activities. Infants can engage in tummy time, reaching for toys, and rolling,
while toddlers can participate in games such as tag, hopscotch, and catch.
Outdoor play spaces should be designed to encourage physical activity and
exploration, such as climbing structures, sandpits, and water play areas.
The NQF outlines
the expectations for early childhood services to provide opportunities for
physical activity, as well as to promote healthy eating habits (ACECQA, 2009).
The Australian Government also recommends that young children engage in at
least three hours of physical activity per day (Department of Health and Aged
Care, 2021).
Early childhood educators should incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, such as providing outdoor play opportunities and incorporating movement and exercise into daily activities. Educators should also model healthy behaviors, such as eating a nutritious diet and engaging in physical activity themselves. Parents and caregivers should be encouraged to provide opportunities for physical activity at home, such as taking walks and playing active games.
THE EDUCATIONAL
IMPLICATION
Early childhood
education is a critical period for promoting physical health and wellbeing in
children. Health and wellbeing are fundamental human rights that must be
protected and promoted for all children, according to the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (UNICEF, 1989). The importance of
promoting physical health and wellbeing during early childhood education has
significant implications for the education sector.
Bronfenbrenner's
Ecological Systems Theory (EST) is a useful theoretical framework for
understanding the educational implications of promoting physical health and
wellbeing in early childhood education. EST posits that the child's development
is influenced by multiple contexts, including the microsystem, mesosystem,
exosystem, and macrosystem (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). The microsystem is the
immediate environment that the child interacts with, such as family and early
childhood education settings. The mesosystem is the connection between two
microsystems, such as the link between the family and early childhood education
setting. The exosystem is the broader societal context that indirectly affects
the child's development, such as policies and laws. The macrosystem is the larger
cultural context that shapes the child's development.
In Australia,
several policies and practices promote physical health and wellbeing in early
childhood education. The National Quality Framework (NQF) is a national system
for regulating and assessing the quality of early childhood education and care
services (ACECQA, 2017). The NQF includes standards and guidelines for
promoting physical health and wellbeing, such as the requirement for healthy
eating practices and physical activity. Additionally, the Early Years Learning
Framework (EYLF) provides guidance for early childhood educators on how to
promote children's development in all areas, including physical health and
wellbeing (Australian Government Department of Education, 2022).
In practice, early
childhood educators can promote physical health and wellbeing by incorporating
physical activity and healthy eating habits into their curriculum. For example,
educators can provide opportunities for children to engage in outdoor play,
structured physical activities, and active play during free play. Educators can
also provide healthy snacks and meals, such as fruits and vegetables, and
encourage children to try new foods. Educators can involve families in
promoting healthy eating habits by providing resources, such as recipes and
meal planning tips.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the
role of nutrition and exercise in the health and physical development of
children in the birth to two age range is critical. Empirical evidence supports
the positive effects of adequate nutrition and regular exercise on children's
growth and development. Providing healthy food options and creating
opportunities for physical activities is crucial to promote children's physical
health and wellbeing. Early childhood educators have a crucial role in
fostering healthy habits and supporting children's overall wellbeing.
Moreover, the
educational implications of promoting nutrition and exercise in early childhood
settings are significant. Educators can create a positive impact on children's
lifelong habits by promoting healthy food choices and encouraging physical
activities. It is essential to have a holistic approach to early childhood
education that promotes the development of the whole child.
The Australian
context offers a comprehensive regulatory framework that supports the provision
of high-quality early childhood education and care services. The National
Quality Framework and the Australian Dietary Guidelines are some of the
resources that early childhood educators can use to promote nutrition and
exercise in their practices.
In summary, early
childhood is a crucial stage in the development of healthy habits. Adequate
nutrition and regular exercise are essential to promoting children's physical
health and wellbeing. Early childhood educators can have a significant impact
on children's lifelong habits by promoting healthy food choices and encouraging
physical activities. It is crucial to have a holistic approach to early
childhood education that promotes the development of the whole child.
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| Photo courtesy of WFP Bhutan |
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