Feeding and Activity Environments for Infants and Toddlers in Childcare Centers and Family Childcare Homes in Southeastern New England
Few studies have documented the food and physical activity (PA) environments of childcare settings caring for children <24 months of age, although they may be key contributors to developing child PA and diet patterns. An adapted Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation tool was used to assess the food and activity environments for infants and toddlers in childcare centers (n = 21) and family childcare homes (FCCH) (n = 20) and explored differences by childcare type. Many similarities were found between childcare site types; however, centers used more recommended feeding practices than FCCH (e.g., 100% of center providers talked with toddlers about feelings of hunger or fullness compared to 18% of family childcare providers (FCCP), p < 0.01).
Full citation: Risica, P. M., Karpowicz, J. M., von Ash, T., Gans, K. M., Stowers, K. C., & Tovar, A. (2022). Feeding and Activity Environments for Infants and Toddlers in Childcare Centers and Family Childcare Homes in Southeastern New England. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 9702. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159702