Preparing Your Child for Nursery Lunches: A Parent’s Guide

Starting nursery can be a big step for both children and parents. With so many new experiences and adjustments to make, it’s understandable that mealtimes might be a source of concern. One common worry is how to ensure that your child enjoys their new nursery lunches. We’ve asked V&Me’s paediatric expert Jo to share her tips and insights.

How To Encourage Taste in Variety

Some children may be a little “fussy”, especially around the age of starting nursery. It’s important to remember that trying new foods in a nursery environment can actually be a really positive experience. When children see their classmates and teachers enjoying the same meal, they’re more likely to be open to trying new things.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Here are a few tips to help your child adjust to nursery mealtimes:

1. Be Persistent: Don’t give up too early if your child initially refuses a new dish. Keep offering it at different times and in different ways without pressure.
2. Minimise Sugary and Salty Snacks: During the holidays and weekends, try to limit the amount of sugary and salty snacks your child consumes. This can make the transition back to healthier nursery meals easier.
3. Talk About Food: Discuss different foods and their benefits with your child. This can help them develop a positive attitude towards healthy eating.
4. Involve Your Child in Menu: Let your child help see and hear about some of the meals they’ll be having at nursery. This can make them feel more involved and excited about their new lunches.
5. Don’t worry too much about leftovers: Appetite can vary greatly day to day at this age. If one day they don’t eat much of their lunch, this is totally normal! As long as they are eating enough over the course of the week then you don’t need to worry about the odd leftover.

If you’d like to read more about introducing new foods, check out V&Me’s blog here: https://www.vandme.co.uk/blog/the-six-step-approach-to-trying-a-new-food?

The Benefits of Nursery Lunches

In addition to being nutritious and delicious, nursery lunches can offer several other benefits:

• Socialisation: Sharing meals with classmates can help children develop important mealtime social skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives!
• Exposure to New Foods: Nursery lunches can expose children to a variety of new foods, expanding their taste buds and encouraging them to try different things that you might not normally make at home.
• Routine and Structure: Regular mealtimes can help children establish a sense of routine and structure, which can be beneficial for their overall development.
• Nutritional Support: V&Me’s meals are designed by professionals to provide your child with all the essential nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Additional Tips We’ve Found Useful

Here are some additional tips to help your child adjust to nursery mealtimes:

• Talk to Your Child’s Teacher: If you have any concerns about your child’s eating habits at nursery, don’t hesitate to talk to their teacher. They can usually provide you with valuable insights and support to help resolve the situation.
• Be Patient and Positive: Remember that starting nursery is a big adjustment for your child. Be patient and positive, and offer them lots of encouragement when you can.