Daycare Moms - do you send extras?

chrisncassie

So, since LO has been eating more table foods, and he seems to be eating all.the.time, I send extra food for him to eat along with whatever the daycare provides.

I usually bring a yogurt or string cheese, fruit and a cereal bar.  And there's always some stage 3 food for him that I keep there.  I also bring in some juice because I don't think LO's should be drinking Hawaiian Punch!  ...

I ask every morning what's for breakfast and lunch.  Usually I allow LO to eat what everyone else is. ...no pop tarts or buttered bread, etc. ...wow, really? super healthy already.  I told H this afternoon I'm glad I ask, cause there are just some things I don't want LO having. ...at least not yet.

Which got me thinking ...WHY IN THE WORLD would a DCP want to give the kids sugary filled things?  ...they have at least 3 LO's in the room at a time, do they really want them all bouncing off the walls or coming off a sugar high?

Anyways...so I'm glad I bring extra's so that I can be choosey ...anyone else bring extras?

EVM1216

I don't bring extras but I totally know what you mean.  Our DCP is usually ok, but a few times I've seen them bring in the Wal-Mart brand fruitloops for breakfast and I can't help but think that there has to be a better alternative than that. 

CFH79

Um yeah.  The meal plan at our DCP isn't great either.  I pack LO's breakfast, lunch and snack most days.  However, I took a copy of the meal rotation and highlighted what I allow her to have, so that if they need to feed her their food, they know exactly what I allow and what I do not.  I also made notes at the bottom like, "Waffles and pancakes are ok, but NO SYRUP," or "Whole milk or water ONLY, no JUICE." 

I keep a couple of those instant toddler meals there in case there is a day I don't pack her lunch and it turns out to be something she can't eat because sometimes they have to change the meal for the day depending on supply.

OhSewCrafty

Most states categorize things like Pop Tarts as a fruit/healthy snack. It drives me crazy.

We send C's lunch to DC and I don't mind at all. He's allowed to have one cup of juice, watered down (the rest needs to be milk/water) and only snacks that aren't prepackaged processed Pop Tart kind of things. Not because they're the devil or anything, just because I don't think a 14 month old needs to be eating a cereal bar or Pop Tart as a snack. Give the kid some cheese, fruit, or crackers.

And I agree - I don't know why they'd want them to have all that crap anyway. They'd be bouncing off the walls! 

[Deleted User]

No, we don;t send extras.  They let her eat however much she wants of what they are having.  They do things like spinach tortellini, turkey sloppy joes, tuna noodle casserole, etc. for lunches, breakfasts are cereal (kix berry, or cheerioes, or rice crispies) or biscits and yogurt, or french toast sticks.  They always have a fruit and/or veggie too with each meal. 

The snacks I was a little less than impressed with - sometimes it's chocolate chip cookies and bananas.  But then I thought about it & I really just don't think it's a hug deal.  Their breakfast & lunch is healthy, and cookies sometimes is fine.  

If I had a problem with the DCP food like you guys are having, I'd talk with the director.  If there isn't a director, I'd be moving my child.  Pop tarts just aren't acceptable. 

OhSewCrafty

sofamonkey:

No, we don;t send extras.  They let her eat however much she wants of what they are having.  They do things like spinach tortellini, turkey sloppy joes, tuna noodle casserole, etc. for lunches, breakfasts are cereal (kix berry, or cheerioes, or rice crispies) or biscits and yogurt, or french toast sticks.  They always have a fruit and/or veggie too with each meal. 

The snacks I was a little less than impressed with - sometimes it's chocolate chip cookies and bananas.  But then I thought about it & I really just don't think it's a hug deal.  Their breakfast & lunch is healthy, and cookies sometimes is fine.  

If I had a problem with the DCP food like you guys are having, I'd talk with the director.  If there isn't a director, I'd be moving my child.  Pop tarts just aren't acceptable. 

Its not necessarily the center. Its a state thing. They approve certain foods that they are allowed to buy and only pay so much for each kid/meal. If Pop Tarts are on the list and that's all they have money for, they can't just go buy graham crackers instead. It sucks.

lulu8109

Our DCP sounds similar to sofamonkey's.  Normally her breakfasts and lunches are homemade, but sometimes I see her giving french toast sticks and the like.  Her snacks are goldfish, crackers, pretzels, and apple juice, which I'm not very impressed with. 

I had to tell her no juice.  And I do leave some meat and veggie purees for the days LO is too picky to eat what she cooks.

[Deleted User]

OhSewCrafty:

sofamonkey:

No, we don;t send extras.  They let her eat however much she wants of what they are having.  They do things like spinach tortellini, turkey sloppy joes, tuna noodle casserole, etc. for lunches, breakfasts are cereal (kix berry, or cheerioes, or rice crispies) or biscits and yogurt, or french toast sticks.  They always have a fruit and/or veggie too with each meal. 

The snacks I was a little less than impressed with - sometimes it's chocolate chip cookies and bananas.  But then I thought about it & I really just don't think it's a hug deal.  Their breakfast & lunch is healthy, and cookies sometimes is fine.  

If I had a problem with the DCP food like you guys are having, I'd talk with the director.  If there isn't a director, I'd be moving my child.  Pop tarts just aren't acceptable. 

Its not necessarily the center. Its a state thing. They approve certain foods that they are allowed to buy and only pay so much for each kid/meal. If Pop Tarts are on the list and that's all they have money for, they can't just go buy graham crackers instead. It sucks.

I get that if you really don't have a choice.  I guess I am running under the assumption that you have a choice where you are sending your kid.  YKWIM? 

OhSewCrafty

sofamonkey:

OhSewCrafty:

sofamonkey:

No, we don;t send extras.  They let her eat however much she wants of what they are having.  They do things like spinach tortellini, turkey sloppy joes, tuna noodle casserole, etc. for lunches, breakfasts are cereal (kix berry, or cheerioes, or rice crispies) or biscits and yogurt, or french toast sticks.  They always have a fruit and/or veggie too with each meal. 

The snacks I was a little less than impressed with - sometimes it's chocolate chip cookies and bananas.  But then I thought about it & I really just don't think it's a hug deal.  Their breakfast & lunch is healthy, and cookies sometimes is fine.  

If I had a problem with the DCP food like you guys are having, I'd talk with the director.  If there isn't a director, I'd be moving my child.  Pop tarts just aren't acceptable. 

Its not necessarily the center. Its a state thing. They approve certain foods that they are allowed to buy and only pay so much for each kid/meal. If Pop Tarts are on the list and that's all they have money for, they can't just go buy graham crackers instead. It sucks.

I get that if you really don't have a choice.  I guess I am running under the assumption that you have a choice where you are sending your kid.  YKWIM? 

I definitely do have a choice, but all day care centers in PA need to be approved and work under the same department of public welfare regulations. The same regulations that classify Pop Tarts as a fruit/healthy snack....at 300 calories a piece. So unless I send C to an unlicensed place....we're getting offered Pop Tarts. And FWIW, C goes to one of the top rated day cares in the state. lol ::facepalm::

Bureaucracy FTW!

chrisncassie

sofamonkey:

OhSewCrafty:

sofamonkey:

No, we don;t send extras.  They let her eat however much she wants of what they are having.  They do things like spinach tortellini, turkey sloppy joes, tuna noodle casserole, etc. for lunches, breakfasts are cereal (kix berry, or cheerioes, or rice crispies) or biscits and yogurt, or french toast sticks.  They always have a fruit and/or veggie too with each meal. 

The snacks I was a little less than impressed with - sometimes it's chocolate chip cookies and bananas.  But then I thought about it & I really just don't think it's a hug deal.  Their breakfast & lunch is healthy, and cookies sometimes is fine.  

If I had a problem with the DCP food like you guys are having, I'd talk with the director.  If there isn't a director, I'd be moving my child.  Pop tarts just aren't acceptable. 

Its not necessarily the center. Its a state thing. They approve certain foods that they are allowed to buy and only pay so much for each kid/meal. If Pop Tarts are on the list and that's all they have money for, they can't just go buy graham crackers instead. It sucks.

I get that if you really don't have a choice.  I guess I am running under the assumption that you have a choice where you are sending your kid.  YKWIM? 

Only other place I would send him, no room in the room he would be in :-( other places in the area I won't consider.... Walked through all of them. maybe I need to find a private in home place

[Deleted User]

OhSewCrafty:

sofamonkey:

OhSewCrafty:

sofamonkey:

No, we don;t send extras.  They let her eat however much she wants of what they are having.  They do things like spinach tortellini, turkey sloppy joes, tuna noodle casserole, etc. for lunches, breakfasts are cereal (kix berry, or cheerioes, or rice crispies) or biscits and yogurt, or french toast sticks.  They always have a fruit and/or veggie too with each meal. 

The snacks I was a little less than impressed with - sometimes it's chocolate chip cookies and bananas.  But then I thought about it & I really just don't think it's a hug deal.  Their breakfast & lunch is healthy, and cookies sometimes is fine.  

If I had a problem with the DCP food like you guys are having, I'd talk with the director.  If there isn't a director, I'd be moving my child.  Pop tarts just aren't acceptable. 

Its not necessarily the center. Its a state thing. They approve certain foods that they are allowed to buy and only pay so much for each kid/meal. If Pop Tarts are on the list and that's all they have money for, they can't just go buy graham crackers instead. It sucks.

I get that if you really don't have a choice.  I guess I am running under the assumption that you have a choice where you are sending your kid.  YKWIM? 

I definitely do have a choice, but all day care centers in PA need to be approved and work under the same department of public welfare regulations. The same regulations that classify Pop Tarts as a fruit/healthy snack....at 300 calories a piece. So unless I send C to an unlicensed place....we're getting offered Pop Tarts. And FWIW, C goes to one of the top rated day cares in the state. lol ::facepalm::

Bureaucracy FTW!

LOL & What the what?  I guess I'm glad I don't live in PA.  We have the same requirements, but poptarts aren't on the list. 

I think the worst part for me would be that P would love them, insist on having them, I'd have to buy them, and I'd eat them.  All of them.  ZOMG I lurve poptarts.  

OhSewCrafty

sofamonkey:

OhSewCrafty:

sofamonkey:

OhSewCrafty:

sofamonkey:

No, we don;t send extras.  They let her eat however much she wants of what they are having.  They do things like spinach tortellini, turkey sloppy joes, tuna noodle casserole, etc. for lunches, breakfasts are cereal (kix berry, or cheerioes, or rice crispies) or biscits and yogurt, or french toast sticks.  They always have a fruit and/or veggie too with each meal. 

The snacks I was a little less than impressed with - sometimes it's chocolate chip cookies and bananas.  But then I thought about it & I really just don't think it's a hug deal.  Their breakfast & lunch is healthy, and cookies sometimes is fine.  

If I had a problem with the DCP food like you guys are having, I'd talk with the director.  If there isn't a director, I'd be moving my child.  Pop tarts just aren't acceptable. 

Its not necessarily the center. Its a state thing. They approve certain foods that they are allowed to buy and only pay so much for each kid/meal. If Pop Tarts are on the list and that's all they have money for, they can't just go buy graham crackers instead. It sucks.

I get that if you really don't have a choice.  I guess I am running under the assumption that you have a choice where you are sending your kid.  YKWIM? 

I definitely do have a choice, but all day care centers in PA need to be approved and work under the same department of public welfare regulations. The same regulations that classify Pop Tarts as a fruit/healthy snack....at 300 calories a piece. So unless I send C to an unlicensed place....we're getting offered Pop Tarts. And FWIW, C goes to one of the top rated day cares in the state. lol ::facepalm::

Bureaucracy FTW!

LOL & What the what?  I guess I'm glad I don't live in PA.  We have the same requirements, but poptarts aren't on the list. 

I think the worst part for me would be that P would love them, insist on having them, I'd have to buy them, and I'd eat them.  All of them.  ZOMG I lurve poptarts.  

EXACTLY!

I have this delusion that if I train C to eat healthy that he'll be all, "Hey, can I have grapes as a delicious sweet snack!?" and I'll be all, "Why yes! And I'll throw out these Doritos and join you!"

 

theuntaggablek

No extras, but I do plan to pack a lunch of more desirable foods on days when they're slated to eat something I'd rather he not have. (I'm looking at you, turkey dogs & tater tots).

 

jarebearsmom

DS starts DC on Monday but I'm pretty sure I read in the packet that he can't bring food from home... I need to recheck it

They gave us a copy of the food for a week and the only thing I really don't like is buttered bread with his lunch and brownies and cookies for snack  

chrisncassie

jarebearsmom:

DS starts DC on Monday but I'm pretty sure I read in the packet that he can't bring food from home... I need to recheck it

They gave us a copy of the food for a week and the only thing I really don't like is buttered bread with his lunch and brownies and cookies for snack  

Ours says no food from home after 8;30am ...not sure WHY, but thats what their packet says.  We get there about 7:30am, so I just bring in plenty of things.  They've never said anything to me before about not bringing things in.  Once I told them that we think he's not sleeping through the night because we don't think he's getting enough food throughout the day, they were happy to accept the food to feed him.