How to Address Nutritional Needs of Young Kids in a Hassle-Free Way
Nutrition in young kids is instrumental for healthy growth and development in all aspects of living-be to social, psychological, or physical well-being. An inadequate diet might lead to delayed development, behavioral disorders, and psychomotor delay. These can all be prevented by educating the parents about basic nutrition needs.
Why Nutrition is Important in Young Kids?
Young kids must never be treated or considered as young adults. It is because the young kids are still in the growing phase, that they need the proper amount of nutrition to obtain satisfactory growth. The nutrition for kids needs good amounts of nutrients per unit of weight of their body than the adults. This is the reason when the young kids are served foods which comprises of inadequate nutrient content, they might fail at growing and developing adequately.
Energy
Energy needs for toddlers and pre-schoolers rise as the child grows:
- A one year girl needs 1,15 kcal/day
- A one year boy needs 1,230 kcal/day
- A 4-year-old girl needs 1,545 kcal/day
- A 4-year-old boy requires 1715 kcal/twice a day.
Fats
Fiber foods tend to be bulky and young kids with a tiny appetite who are served a fiber-rich food might not ingest sufficient energy. Phytate is an important substance that is linked with cereal fiber and can bond well and prevent the good absorption of specific minerals like zinc, copper, iron, phosphorus, and calcium.
The dietary fiber must be introduced but not in excess in young kids. Incorporate wholemeal bread, vegetables, fruits, pulse vegetables, and wholemeal breakfast cereals must be given to young kids as they advance into older age.
Protein
The intake of protein varies from 14.5 grams per day for 1-3 years old children to 19.7 grams per day in 4-6 years olds. All the pre-schoolers must have an adequate quantity of protein and you can give them fish, chicken, eggs, and dairy products to help them achieve the required protein.
Iron
The intake of iron in kids have been seen to be inadequate, and many preschoolers are anemic. A study conducted by a general practice setting back in 1995 figured out that 36% of the one year kids were anemic. However, with the implementation of education programs for mothers hosted by the primary care experts, post one year it was seen that the percentage of anemic kids had lowered to 24% of 122 kids screened at 14 months. The practice nurse can enlighten the parents about the ways to increase iron in the diet to see good results in the baby growth chart.
Carb
Carbohydrates play an important source of energy in young kids as well as adults. The starchy foods like rice and bread and pasta must be sufficient in the diet. As per research, the major sources of sugar for a preschooler’s diet are blackcurrant syrups and fruit juices.
Parents require education on how to address the nutritional needs of their young kids from medical practitioners. By knowing what exactly to feed to your little ones, you can succeed in helping their growth and development and achieving satisfactory results in the baby growth chart.
