Feeding Safety For Kids
Kids can easily get sick because of the bacteria found in certain foods. The reason for this is that they don’t have a fully developed immune system. The other reason is that their stomach produces lower amounts of stomach acid which is what kills bacteria.
Some of the symptoms caused by bacteria found in food are diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, nausea and stomach cramps. The severity of these symptoms depends on how much of bacteria are in the stomach. These symptoms can appear as early as just half an hour after eating the food or as late as seven days. All these symptoms can be easily prevented by just storing, preparing and serving all foods properly.
Factors like the weather and poor personal hygiene are some of the most common causes of food borne illnesses. Caution is needed especially in outdoor areas and parents must ensure that food stays safe. Also exposing food too long in high temperatures can cause these illnesses.
Here Are A Few Safe Feeding Tips:
Cleanliness
Always ensure cleanliness when handling food and also that the places where it is kept are clean. Wash hands regularly. This can be after going to the bathroom, toilet or changing baby’s diaper. Keep the kitchen clean at all times. Sanitize tables, counters, cutting boards, can openers and utensils before and after using them. Also make sure that all cloths and sponges used in the kitchen are clean.
Buy The Right Food
Choose to buy food that is fresh and high in quality. Buy food from packages that are not broken or torn and avoid food in cans that are dented. Also always store and refrigerate food as soon as you get home so that it stays fresh and safe.
Refrigerate
The safest level to store food in the fridge is 38C or lower and the freezer should be at 0C or below. Only remove food from the fridge when you want to eat. Also remember to refrigerate leftovers straight away in small sized containers. Try to keep a thermometer in the fridge so that the temperature levels are always safe.
Preparing Food
Never keep food at room temperature for longer than two hours. Bacteria grows fast at room temperature between 40C to 140C. Always cook foods properly and also make sure that they are very how when reheating them. Let food stay hot until you serve it. Meat has to be well done and poultry foods should also be well cooked and firm.
Other Tips:
Have a balanced diet by having a wide variety of foods. This way kids won’t be exposed to too much of the bacteria which may be found in only some of the food. Wash all foods and peel them. Choose foods that are fresh and avoid those that are bruised and are beginning to rot. It is a great idea to grow your own fruits and vegetables, this way your kids will be safe from dangers such as pesticides.
