Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Attitudes and Consumption During the First 1000 Days of Life

This study examined the relationship between parental sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) attitudes and SSB consumption during the first 1,000 days – gestation to age 2 years. The study population consisted of 394 WIC-enrolled, Hispanic/Latino families living in northern Manhattan. Parental SSB attitudes were determined through a four question survey that used a Likert scale for responses, More

Childhood Obesity: ECE Policy and Practice Special Journal Issue

Childhood Obesity published a special theme journal issue on early care and education programs (ECE) policy and practice. It unites a group of outstanding researchers focusing on the role of policies and practices within ECE programs to support healthy practices. Each article addresses one or more important influences, including public policies, such as the federally More

A Systematic Review of Strategies to Reduce Sugar‐Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among 0‐Year to 5‐Year Olds

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption begins early and increases with age in the U.S., and there is robust evidence linking SSB consumption with negative health consequences. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 27 studies on strategies aimed to reduce SSB consumption among 0- to 5-year-olds. Interventions took place primarily in healthcare settings, as well as preschool/daycare, More

Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program Is Associated with Healthier Nutrition Environments at Family Child Care Homes in Mississippi

This study describes the foods and beverages offered, nutrition practices, and nutrition policies of family child care homes in Mississippi and differences by participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). A random sample of family child care homes that enroll 3- to 5-year-olds in Mississippi were examined through a self-report tool. Foods More

Predictors of Nutrition Quality in Early Child Education Settings in Connecticut

This study assessed the dietary quality of lunches and feeding practices in Connecticut child care centers and made comparisons by center participation in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Specifically, overall energy, macronutrient intake, and intake by CACFP meal component were compared with CACFP requirements and recommendations from the Institute of Medicine. More

Media and Young Minds: Comparing State Screen Media Use Regulations for Children Under 24 Months of Age in Early Care and Education to a National Standard

Excessive screen media use has been associated with a number of negative health outcomes in young children, including increased risk for obesity and comparatively lagging cognitive development. The purpose of this study was to assess state licensing regulations restricting screen media use for children under 24 months old in early care and education and to More

Early Care and Education Policies and Programs to Support Healthy Eating and Physical Activity: Best Practices and Changes Over Time. Research Review: 2010-2016

Over the last six years, efforts to strengthen policies, systems, and environments to promote health and prevent obesity have become more robust and widespread. These efforts include updates to federal policies and programs, state regulations, local policies, and evidence-based guidance. The goal of the current research review is to provide the most up-to-date information on More

Getting Children to Eat a Variety of Healthy Foods Starts Early in Life

Childhood is an especially important time to promote the acceptance of healthier foods given the oversaturation of unhealthy modern food environments, poor diet quality in young children, and the high prevalence of nutrition-related diseases in many nations. This issue brief is based on a narrative review, published in Obesity Reviews, on how children learn food preferences during More

Promoting Healthy Food Preferences From the Start: A Narrative Review of Food Preference Learning From the Prenatal Period Through Early Childhood

Childhood is an especially important time to promote the acceptance of healthier foods given the oversaturation of unhealthy modern food environments, poor diet quality in young children, and the high prevalence of nutrition-related diseases in many nations. This review relies on a search of the literature from 2007 to 2016 on how children learn food More

State Variations in Infant Feeding Regulations for Child Care

This cross-sectional study reviewed infant feeding regulations for all U.S. states for child care centers and family child care homes, then compared the regulations with ten national standards and also assessed the number of new regulations consistent with these standards since a previous review conducted in 2008. The 2008 review found that the majority of More