Exciting news! The USDA has issued a new handbook, “Feeding Infants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program”. This handbook was last updated in 2001 so it was ready for a refresh! The new handbook is double the size of the old version, up to 200 pages. It’s packed with information about the updated infant meal pattern, parent handouts and a pre/post assessment for you to check your understanding or use in a training. Below are some of our favorite features.
- So Many Photographs!
There are hundreds of full-color photographs in the guide that make it easy to understand the content and easy to teach others. Here’s an example:
Doesn’t it look like she’s about to join the Supremes and belt out “Stop in the Name of Love!” So cute!
- So Many Photographs!
- A Focus on the Practical
Have you ever thought about making your own baby food, but are too intimidated to try? Well, the USDA guide has some great step-by-step directions for making baby food (pictured below). They also have an amazing illustration of how to set up a breastfeeding-friendly child care space, how to tell if a child is ready for solid foods and signs of hunger and fullness.
- A Focus on the Practical
- The Parent Connection
Communication with parents about infant feeding is critical, so the new USDA Infant Feeding Guide has a lot of resources for child care sites to use with parents. They have parent handouts on:- Is Your Baby Ready for Solid Foods?
- Making Sure Your Baby Gets Enough Iron
- Varying Your Baby’s Veggies
They also have forms for:
- Tell Us About Your Breastfed Baby!
- Feeding Your Baby Infant Formula? Tell Us More!
- What is Your Baby Eating? Let Us Know!
Download your copy of the new USDA Feeding Infants in the Child and Adult Care Food Program guide right here!