- Nutrition for children means making sure your child is getting enough nutrients from age 1 through 12. He will grow each year and his needs for nutrients and new textures will change. Nutrients are calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Giving your child a healthy diet is vital so he can grow, develop, and stay at a good weight for his age. Children learn by watching, so your example is important in teaching good food habits.
- Children may not want to eat at times, or they may want to eat too much of the wrong foods. Avoid using food to punish or reward your child. Try to find other ways to change their bad behaviors. Create a relaxed and happy setting for meals. The ideas below can help you guide them to eat a healthy diet that keeps them active and growing during their childhood years.
- Nutrient Needs: The amount of calories and protein that your child needs depends on both his age and weight in kilograms. Divide your child's weight in pounds by 2.2 to figure out what he weighs in kilograms (kg).
Age
Group
|
Calories/kg
|
Protiens/kg
|
0-3years
|
100
|
1.2
|
4-7years
|
90
|
1.1
|
8-12years
|
70
|
1
|
DAILY SERVINGS FOR A CHILD'S DIET
- Fruits:Most children need 2 to 3 servings per day. One serving is about the amount listed below for each age group.
- 1 to 3 years:
- 1/4 cup pureed fruit
- 1/4 cup juice
- 4 to 7 years:
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup canned fruit
- 1/2 piece fresh fruit
- 1/2 cup juice
- 8 to 12 years:
- 1 cup canned fruit
- 1 piece fresh fruit
- 1/2 cup juice
- Milk or Yogurt: Most children need 3 to 4 servings per day. One serving is about the amount listed below for each age group.
- 1 to 3 years: 1/2 to 3/4 cup
- 4 to 6 years: 3/4 cup
- 7 to 11 years: 1 cup
- Fats: This group includes oils, margarines, butter, and salad dressings. Most children will need 1 to 3 servings per day. One serving is about the amount listed below for each age group.
- 1 to 3 years: 1/2 to 1 tsp
- 4 to 6 years: 1 tsp
- 7 to 11 years: 1 Tbsp
Care: Children this age are very active. Their bodies need nutrients on a regular basis, even if they do not feel hungry. Offer them meals or snacks 4 to 5 times a day. This will make sure that they have enough fuel to play and grow. Take your child for regular check-ups to make sure he is growing at the proper rate. Your caregiver can help you figure out if your child's calorie intake is too high or to low for his age and size.
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