Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Center-Based Childcare in Early Childhood and Nutritional Risk in Later Childhood: A Prospective Cohort Study
Michaela D Kucab1, Charles D G Keown-Stoneman2, Catherine S Birken3
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Background:
Center-based childcare is a promising environment for promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in early childhood. Little is known about the impact of center-based childcare on child nutrition.
Objectives:
The primary objective was to evaluate the association between center-based childcare, compared with noncenter-based childcare, and nutritional risk in early childhood. Secondary objectives were to evaluate associations with dietary intake and eating behaviors, and whether the associations were modified by family income and childcare intensity.
Methods:
A prospective cohort study of children aged 1-5 y was conducted through the TARGet Kids! primary care research network in Toronto, Canada (n = 2420). Childcare attendance was measured between 1 and 4 y of age. Nutritional risk, dietary intake, and eating behaviors were measured using the Nutrition Screening Tool for Every Preschooler (NutriSTEP), aged between 4 and 5 y.
Results:
Center-based childcare was associated with a more favorable NutriSTEP [-0.66 units; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.11, -0.21], dietary intake (-0.31 units; 95% CI: -0.57, -0.06) and eating behaviors score (-0.14 units; 95% CI: -0.29, 0.00) compared with noncenter-based childcare. Associations were stronger for children who attended center-based childcare full-time with a more favorable NutriSTEP (-0.89 units; 95% CI: -1.39, -0.41), dietary intake (-0.44 units; 95% CI: -0.72, -0.16), and eating behaviors score (-0.20 units; 95% CI: -0.36, -0.03). Associations were stronger for children from lower income families (<$50,000 CDN) who attended center-based childcare with a more favorable NutriSTEP (-2.39 units, 95% CI: -3.99, -0.78), dietary intake (-1.43 units; 95% CI: -2.35, -0.50), and lower odds of high nutritional risk (OR 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.97).
Conclusions:
Center-based childcare was associated with more favorable nutritional risk scores, which were stronger for children who attended center-based childcare full-time and those who were from lower income families. Center-based childcare may be an important early environment for supporting childhood nutrition. This trial was registered at www.
Clinicaltrials:
gov as NCT01869530.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Impact of Social Context on Individuals

