Understanding Your Child's Nutritional Needs at Different Stages of Growth

Introduction

Childhood is a phase of dynamic growth and learning. As a parent it is an exciting journey to watch your kid grow into a more confident and active individual. At each stage of your child's growth, you may witness significant physical and behavioral changes. While these may vary from child to child, mostly they encompass growth, spurts, muscle development, bodily changes, and hormonal changes once the child enters puberty.

To support all these changes, there is a great requirement for the child to get the right kind of diet. The diet should specifically cater to the child's changing nutritional needs to ensure they seamlessly transition from one growth phase to the other. However, at each stage of growth, these nutritional requirements may vary. Hence, parents need to understand what their kid will need at each stage of their growth to fulfill their nourishment requirements.

Nutritional Needs of Kids at Different Stages of Growth

As your child transitions from one phase to the other, here is a breakdown of different nutritional requirements that they may need at each of these stages.

• Infancy

Infancy consists of the time from when a child is born till they are 12 months old. For the first six months, breast milk is supposed to be the only source of nourishment for a baby. As per research called Infant and young child feeding, breast milk consists of all the essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and even optimum water content. Hence, it is considered that the child doesn't need any extra source of nutrition. Once the child is at least six months old, parents may introduce baby formulas or solid foods such as bananas and oats to kids. Gradually, along with breast milk, the child can start consuming vegetable puree, beans, and other such nutritious foods.

• Toddlerhood

This is a phase that starts when a child is at least one year old and continues till they are three. It is the perfect phase for parents to start experimenting with different types of solid food items and slowly transition from breastmilk to solids completely. Initially parents may serve softer food items such as rice, oatmeal, and bananas. Slowly, they can introduce protein sources like eggs and paneer. The child can also be fed grains and given cow’s milk for calcium. Parents might observe that their kid develops certain food preferences during this phase. In such a scenario, there is nothing to worry about. The only thing that parents have to remember is to keep offering different types of food items to their child to enhance their sense of taste.

• Preschoolers

Preschool as the name signifies is the time when a child enters play school. The phase starts when a child is three years and continues till they are five or six. It is the official onset of their academic journey and meeting other kids of their age group. As a child's physical and mental activity increases, there is a higher need for energy. As per research called Perspectives in preschool nutrition published in 2021 there is a greater need of vitamin A and vitamin D among preschoolers. Along with this, the kids may also need potassium and minerals for proper muscle function and recovery. Hence, parents can integrate cruciferous vegetables and seasonal fruits into a child's diet. Also, parents may consider increasing the portion size of the child as per their appetite for higher energy levels.

• Middle- Age Kids

This is an age group of kids from 6-12 years. As a child's height and weight continues to grow, their nutritional requirements may also increase. Also, the child may begin to get actively involved in playing different kinds of sports and studying various subjects at school. This means that there is an enhanced need for brain boosting and energy giving foods. As per a research paper called Child and Adolescent Health and Development, a healthy diet among middle-aged kids can be directly linked to better performance at school. Some of the key nutrients that a child might need during this time are protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and a diet rich in antioxidants. Additionally, parents can try regulating the junk food intake of their child.

• Adolescents

Adolescence typically starts when a child is 13 years old and continues till they're 18. However, it may vary from child to child. This phase is characterized by some dynamic bodily changes among boys and girls. Boys may specifically experience a sudden growth spurt. Along with physical changes, kids may also experience hormonal changes that may impact their skin, body, emotions, and behavior. As per research published in Acta Biomedica in 2022, there is an increased need for proper nutrition and a balanced diet during this phase. Adolescents may also develop a larger appetite and may require higher energy to sustain through the day. Parents can include healthy vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and cereals in their child's diet during this time. Also, adolescents can be encouraged to stay away from junk food and packaged snacks for better health.

Conclusion

Parents can be a strong supportive pillar for a child through various stages of growth and development. By paying keen attention to a child's evolving nutritional needs, parents can help a child perform well at school and actively participate in extracurricular activities.