(SDN) Special Health and Nutritional Requirements for Young Children Lesson

Special Health and Nutritional Requirements for Young Children

To plan healthful eating choices for children ages two and older, follow recommendations from MyPlate and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Children need the same food variety and nutrients as adults and teens do, but in different amounts. Active, growing children need a regular meal schedule. They also need nourishing snacks because their stomachs are small, but their energy levels are high.

Nutritional Requirement Through the Lifespan

Birth to 4 Months

  • image of infantDuring the first 4 -6 months of life, infants only need breast milk or formula to meet nutritional needs.
  • If breast feeding, a newborn may need to eat 6 to 8 times a day. At 4 months the baby may cut back to 4 to 6 times a day.
  • Formula fed babies may need 6 to 8 times per day 2 to 3 ounces at each feeding.

4-6 Months of Age

  • Never give honey to an infant, it may contain spores that cause botulism.
  • At 4 - 6 months of age, an infant should be consuming 28 to 45 ounces of formula and should start transitioning to solid foods.
  • Start solid feedings with iron-fortified baby rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, thicken it as the baby learns to control its mouth.

6-8 Months of Age

  • image of bibContinue to offer breast milk or formula 3 to 5 times a day. Cow's milk is not recommended for children under 1-year-old.
  • The baby will begin eating less breast milk or formula and eat more solid foods.
  • Introduce fruits and vegetables one at a time.
  • Start with plain vegetables like carrots and green peas.
  • Give fruits and vegetables in 2 to 3 tablespoon servings and offer 4 servings a day.

8-12 Months of Age

  • image of bottleOffer breast milk or formula 3 to 4 times a day.
  • At 8 - 12 months, a baby will be ready to try strained or finely chopped meats.
  • Offer 1 new meat a week in 3 to 4 tablespoon servings.
  • Serving sizes for fruit and vegetables increases to 3 - 4 tablespoons, 4 times a day.
  • At age 1 year, most children are off the bottle. If the child uses the bottle, it should contain water only.  

 

Use the interactive below to learn about the daily food recommendations for children ages 2 - 18. 

 

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