NUTRITION FOR CHILDREN

Nutrition plays an important role in the growth of children. Different stages progress from changing appetites to forming eating habits and making independent food choices. Children will choose a balanced diet if a wide range of food is made available to them. Never force or bribe children to eat.

From birth to 6 months either breast milk or commercial formula will meet all your child's nutritional needs. At 4 months, you can begin feeding your baby rice cereal. Other cereals and foods may be introduced every 5 to 7 days.

Between 5 and 7 months, pureed vegetables and fruits are introduced. Do not introduce citrus fruits or grapes until 12 months of age. They may cause allergic reactions. Also, do NOT give your child honey or corn syrup until after 12 months of age. These foods may be contaminated and cause food poisoning.

Meat and starchy whole foods such as rice, potatoes, and noodles are introduced at 8 or 9 months. Between 10 and 12 months, table foods such as cheese, mild casseroles, beans, fruits, vegetables, and breads may be introduced. Discuss your infant's diet with your healthcare provider during routine examinations. Infants and toddlers require 40 to 45 calories per pound of body weight each day.

Preschool children should eat a variety of foods daily. Serving sizes will vary by age and food. Give 4 servings per day of milk products. Give 4 or more servings per day of fruits and vegetables as well as bread and cereal products. The meat group includes 3 or more servings of lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, peanut butter, or legumes.

The appetites of preschool children fluctuate with their energy needs. Some children can be finicky eaters. Allow children to select how much they need to eat at each meal while offering nutritious food choices and set mealtimes. Pre-schoolers require about 40 to 45 calories per pound of body weight each day.

Eating habits of school age children are usually established by the time they begin school. Offer a variety of foods. Emphasize low-fat and high-fiber foods. Promote regular physical activity to help maintain normal weight. Avoid high-fat or heavily sugared snacks. Encourage fruits and vegetables. Air-popped popcorn, pretzels, dried fruits, and low-fat yogurts are good snack choices for school-aged children. School-aged children require 30 to 40 calories per pound of body weight each day.

Eating a balanced diet during the teen years is important for development. Depending on the level of activity, teens need 25 to 30 calories per pound of body weight each day. Active male teens need almost 1000 more calories each day than females.

Vitamins and other food supplements are usually unnecessary for healthy children and young adults who eat an adequate amount of a variety of foods and fluids.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File CHIL3073.rf2 VRS# 6959 Data Version 7.0