Heart-healthy habits start small and start early. Dr. Alo Kids turns six everyday habits into songs and coloring pages, so little kids learn them by singing along.
Kid words: "Eat the rainbow!"
Offer fruits and vegetables at meals and snacks, and add beans, whole grains and nuts or seeds that are safe for your child's age. Save fried and fatty treats for once in a while. Little ones may need to see a new food many times before they try it, so keep offering without pressure.
Try with: Rainbow on My Plate • Tiny Bites, Big Smiles
Kid words: "Sip, sip, water!"
Make water the go-to drink when kids are thirsty, especially after playing. Keep juice and sweet drinks as an occasional treat, and ask your child's doctor what milk is right for their age.
Try with: Sip, Sip, Water
Kid words: "Wiggle, hop and go!"
Young children do best when they move and play throughout the day. School-age kids need at least 60 minutes of active play every day. Dancing, running, hopping, climbing and playing outside all count, and it is most fun together.
Try with: Wiggle Wiggle, Hop and Go! • Freeze and Wiggle
Kid words: "Brush, brush, brush!"
Brush twice a day for about two minutes, morning and bedtime. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount from ages 3 to 6. Help your child brush until they can do it well on their own.
Try with: Brush, Brush, Pip
Kid words: "Sweet dreams!"
Sleep helps growing bodies and hearts. Roughly, toddlers (1 to 2) need 11 to 14 hours a day including naps, preschoolers (3 to 5) need 10 to 13 hours, and kids 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours. A calm, same-every-night routine with screens off before bed helps.
Try with: Splash, Splash, Bath Time • Goodnight, Hollow
Kid words: "Check-up time!"
Keep up with the well-child visits your child's doctor recommends, and see the dentist regularly (most kids go every six months). Check-ups are a great time to ask questions about eating, sleep and growth.
Try with: Coloring page: Check-up time with Dr. Alo!
This page shares general, everyday tips for families. It is not medical advice and does not replace your child's doctor. If you have a question about your child's health, growth or eating, please ask their pediatrician.
