The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak is upending life for families around the world. As schools and childcare centres close, many parents are finding themselves stuck at home for most of the day juggling childcare, full-time work and other competing responsibilities. Figuring out “What’s for dinner?” can be yet another daily challenge.
5 healthy eating tips
1. Keep up fruit and vegetable intake
2. Swap in healthy dried or canned alternatives when fresh produce is not available
3. Build up a stock of healthy snacks
4. Limit highly processed foods
5. Make cooking and eating a fun and meaningful part of your family routine
Advice for breastfeeding children
Breastmilk remains a great food for children between 6-24 months. Women with COVID-19 can continue to breastfeed if they wish to do so. They should, however, practice respiratory hygiene during feeding, wearing a mask where available; wash their hands before and after touching the baby; and routinely clean and disinfect surfaces they have touched. If too unwell to breastfeed due to the virus or other complications, mothers should be supported to safely provide newborns with breastmilk in any way possible.
