Question

A nurse in a ped clinic is talking with the parent of a toddler who states that her child will not sit at the table to eat with the family. She asks the nurse for recommendations for finger foods for her child. Which of the following foods should the nurse suggest?

A. Slices of ripe banana
B. Popcorn
C. Slices of hot dogs
D. Raw carrots

Answer 1

The nurse should recommend slices of ripe banana as a suitable finger food for the toddler, considering they are soft, easy to handle, and have a low choking risk compared to other options like popcorn, hot dogs, and raw carrots.

Step-by-step explanation:

A parent has inquired about suitable finger foods for toddlers who are reluctant to sit at the table to eat. Among the options presented, slices of ripe banana are the most appropriate suggestion. Bananas are soft, easy to handle, and pose a low choking hazard, making them ideal for toddlers. Popcorn, though commonly liked, is not suitable due to the high choking risk it presents to small children. Similarly, slices of hot dogs and raw carrots are also choking hazards and should be avoided or modified to ensure safety (e.g., cooking and cutting carrots into smaller, more manageable pieces, and slicing hot dogs lengthwise).

It’s important to focus on not only the nutritional benefits but also the safety when choosing foods for young children. Parents should be encouraged to provide a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are cut in ways that minimize choking risks. The goal is to introduce healthy eating habits early on while ensuring the child's safety during mealtime.