Nutrition Throughout the Lifespan (Preschoolers & Schoolers)

• The Childhood Stage

  • Toddlers
  • Preschool
  • School-Age
• Toddlers are young children from age 1 to 3 years old
• Preschool is a young child from age 3 to 6 years old
• School-Age is a child from age 6 to 12 years old
• Toddlers

  During this year, growth is slower than during infancy
• Psychosocial Development among Toddlers

  Autonomy
• Physical Growth & Development among Toddlers

  • By the 2 years, expected weight gain is 4-6 lbs
  • Height may increas about 4 inches
  • Head circumference reaches two-thirds of adult size
  • Enlarged muscles, thighs, and stronger bones
• Nutrition Fundamentals among Toddlers

  Food Likes

  • Finger foods (play with texture)
  • Prefers plain foods to most mixtures
  • Parents should serve favorite foods occasionally
• Mealtimes among Toddlers

  • Eating is a ‘social experience’
  • High-sugar snack may negatively affect meal intake
• New Foods among Toddlers

  • Introduce pureed foods primarily
  • Brightly colored foods are appealing
  • Avoid tough meat or very fibrous vegetables
  • Gradual introduction of varied food items
  • Small stomach capacity = small servings tolerated
  • Offer three meals and three snacks (SFF rule)
  • Toddlers can tolerate salt in moderation
• Toddler Problems

  Most Common Concerns

  • Iron Deficiency Anemia (milk anemia)
  • Inadequate Fat Intake
  • Dawdling
  • Picky Eating
  • Food Refusal
  • Food Jags
  • Gagging
  • Food Allergies/Insensitivities
• Psychosocial Development among Preschoolers

  Initiative
• Physical Growth & Development

  • From ages 3 to 6, a child continues to gain 4 to 5 pounds per year
  • By age 4, a gain in height of about 2 inches per year is observed
  • Adequacy of growth should be assessed every 6 to 12 months
• Nutrition Fundamentals among Preschoolers

  Developing Good Habits

  • Preschool children responds best to regular mealtimes
  • By age 3, the child is able to verbalize hunger
  • Appropriate tableware eases mealtime tensions
  • Practice of personal hygiene and food safety
• New Foods among Preschoolers must be offered one at a time in small amounts
• Preschooler Problems

  Most Common Concerns

  • Iron Deficiency Anemia
  • Dental Caries
  • Selective Eating
  • Limited Food Preferences
  • Resistance to trying new food items
• Psychosocial Development in a School-Age Child

  Industry
• Growth and Health in a School-Age Child

  • By age 6, they should weigh twice as much as at age 1
  • General appearance: Alert, energetic
  • Skin & Mucous membranes: smooth, slightly moist, no bleeding
  • Shiny and evenly distributed hair and scalps with no sores
  • Bright, clear eyes and no fatigue circles
  • Straight, clean and no discoloration and caries teeth
• • Pink tongue with no sores and papillae is present
  • Has good appetite and regular GIT elimination
  • Has well-developed, firm muscles; erect posture, bones straight without deformities
  • Has good attention span for age; not restless, irritable, or weepy
• Nutrition Fundamentals in a School-Age Child

  Food and Nutrient Intake

  • Children ages 8 to 10 years old have good appetite
  • Vegetables are the least liked of the food groups
• Exercise among School-Age Child

  • Help children engage in weight-bearing exercises
  • Team sports fosters interactions with peers
• Most Common Concerns among School-Age Problems

  • Troubles of sitting still
  • Caffeine Triggers and Effects
  • Frequent consumption of sweetened products
  • Irritability, Depression, Anxiety, & Fatigue
  • Childhood Obesity
  • Childhood Type 2 Diabetes
  • Osteoporosis and Cardiovascular Disease
• Childhood Nutrition of a School-Age Child

  General Nutrition Recommendations

  • Offer nutrient-dense foods
  • Do not limit fats before the age of two years
  • Children are sensitive to hot temperature foods but likes crisp texture, mild flavor, and familiar foods
  • Rule: 1 tablespoon for each year of age
  • Needs snacks every three or four hours for continued energy
  • Food should never be forced to the child as this may lead to eating disorders