New Survey Reveals Moms Of Toddlers Desire More Information About Toddler Nutrit

New Survey Reveals Moms Of Toddlers Desire More Information About Toddler Nutrition

Toddlers Not Receiving USDA Recommended Amount of Fruits and Vegetables

(ARA) - A recent survey of 500 U.S. women with children between the ages of 9 months and 3 years, found that many moms of toddlers lack basic nutritional knowledge, such as the USDA recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables per day and the amount of calories per day they should feed their toddlers.

The "GRADUATES Nutrition Survey" commissioned by Gerber and conducted by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, found that 50 percent of moms report serving vegetables to their toddlers only once a day or less and 43 percent of moms say they serve fruits to their toddler only once a day or less, far lower than the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day as outlined by the USDA. Additionally, 63 percent of moms did not know that the average 9- to 24-month old needs approximately 1,000 calories a day -- about half what the average grown-up needs.

To help educate parents about how they can positively affect their toddlers' eating habits, which may impact the food choices they make as adults, GRADUATES from Gerber has teamed up with actress Alison Sweeney. The host of the fourth season of NBC's hit reality show, "The Biggest Loser," Sweeney is well-known for her Emmy Award-winning role on the network's daytime drama "Days of our Lives." However, the role Sweeney is most proud of is that of mom to her two-year-old son Ben.

Having struggled with her own weight, Sweeney constantly looks for ways to feed her son nutritious foods, even as a busy working mom. However, like the 66 percent of moms who report "lack of time" or a "hectic schedule" as obstacles they face when trying to provide healthy snacks and meals for their toddlers, she agrees that it can be a daily challenge to provide Ben with healthy food options.

"These survey findings are a good reminder that many moms are looking for wholesome foods for their toddlers. I turn to GRADUATES from Gerber because their nutritious meals and snacks are not only convenient, they're designed specially for toddlers, not adults. And they help me feed Ben the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day."

Navigating the "Wobbly World" of toddlerhood isn't a 9 to 5 job; that's why the Gerber Parents Resource Center is staffed with trained professionals 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year to provide guidance and advice to parents about feeding and caring for babies and toddlers. Call (800) 4.GERBER or visit www.gerber.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent