The eating patterns established in the first few years of life influence our health during childhood and adulthood. Encouraging good nutrition during the early years of life is therefore an investment in the health of our population for years to come. With more parents working, increasing numbers of children are spending long periods of time in childcare outside their own homes. This has implications for their dietary intake, as a large proportion of meals and snacks is now eaten away from home. Early Years Practitioners therefore have a crucial role to play in promoting healthy nutrition. Learn the basic nutritional needs of children 0-5 years of age and how to encourage child to become healthy eaters.