Nutritional Needs for Preschool Children

The amount of nutrients needed for the rapid growth, a common characteristic of infants, it tapers off in the following few years. As growth rate slows, eating behavior also changes. Usually the decreased growth rate is followed by decreased appetite. In preschool years, between the ages of 2 and 5 the average annual weight gain is just 2 to 3 kg and the annual height gain 7 to 10 cm. Since the appetite of preschool children is reduced it is essential to plan for a diet that meets their nutrient needs and this may be a challenge at times for parents or caregivers.

Choosing foods that are dense in nutrients it is important in particularly with children that eat little. Vitamin and mineral supplements may not necessary and you should best consult a qualified professional before you proceed. Emphasis on whole grain breakfast cereals with minimal sugar ant fat and fruit and vegetables are very good choices of rich in nutrients foods. There is no need for severe fat and sugar reduction as long fatty and/or sweet foods do not become the kind of foods that overwhelm the more nutritious and health giving foods. Preschool years are the best years for children to be introduced to patterns of eating and living that are health promoting.

Furthermore, it is very important that parents or caregivers, especially at this stage of children’s life, become role models. If parents eat a rich in nutrients, balanced variety of foods, children most likely will too. The rule of one bite is a good starting point. Children should be encouraged to take at least a bite to taste those rich in nutrients beneficial foods that are presented to them.

One excellent way adults can encourage young children to eat balanced meals rich in nutrients is to introduce new foods and offer them often to them.

Snaking is also another way to present new and acceptable choices good rich in nutrients and balanced foods. Allow children to choose within reason a different type one each time. Perseverance with young children is critical and it takes commitment and effort to guide them into liking a variety of foods.

When a child observes adults eating and enjoying a food, most of the time children will eventually accept it themselves. It is vital that meal time does not become a battleground. Parents must take on their central role in teaching by example. It is their duty of learning what their children’s nutrient requirements are.

Childhood is the opportunity to shape good nutritional habits. Sound nutrition and eating habits are acquired primarily form parents. You ought to get your children into good beneficial habits early on in life. No one nutrient, or a group of nutrients, is any more important than others; children need dozens of nutrients that function collectively to encourage growth and development.

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