Healthy Habits for Children Aged 4 to 4.5 Years

Side-Lying Hold

For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Cross-Cradle Hold

For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Clutch or “Football” Hold

For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

You had a C-section
You have large breasts
You have flat or inverted nipples
You have a strong milk let-down
You are breastfeeding twins
Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
Your baby has reflux
You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cradle Hold

For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

Laid-Back Hold

Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

4 TO 4½ YEARS

h2 hide

I am 4 and want to do more!

Here are some examples of what meal and snack portion sizes might look like on my plate.

Breakfast

h4 hide

½ cup large, sliced strawberries

1 cup low-fat milk

2 small whole grain pancakes with 1 tablespoon syrup

Lunch

h4 hide

½ cup sliced in half grapes

½ cup sliced, baked sweet potato sticks

1 small whole grain bun

with 1 ounce small turkey burger

1 cup low-fat milk

Snacks

h4 hide

½ cup sliced cucumbers and carrots

with ¼ cup chickpea hummus

½ medium whole grain pita bread wedges, toasted

with ¼ cup mashed refried beans

4 or 6 whole grain crackers

with 4 or 5 cubes cheese

water between meals and snacks

Dinner

h4 hide

½ cup baked, sliced apple

½ cup water

1 cup shredded lettuce

on 1 medium whole grain tortilla

with 1½ ounces cooked, lean ground beef

with ½ cup shredded cheese

Daily Suggested Food Group Amounts

Dairy

Look what I can do!

Keep me safe and healthy.