Children’s Health

Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet

You want your child to eat healthy foods, but do you know which nutrients are
necessary and in what amounts? Here’s a quick overview.

Nutrition for children is based on the same principles as nutrition for adults.

Everyone needs the same types of nutrients — such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fat. Children, however, need different amounts of specific nutrients at different ages.

Taller, older children and children who are more active will eat more. Use your child’s appetite to help you decide how much food to offer them. The food pyramid helps you decide this. Eat more of what’s at the bottom and less of what’s at the top and always remember portion size.

Children have small tummies and they need much smaller portions than adults.

Some key nutritional points to consider for your little one

1. Follow the food pyramid
2. Small servings for small tummies- children aged 1-4 years should be given 3 small meals and 2-3 healthy snacks
3. Give a 5ug vitamin D supplement from Halloween to St. Patrick’s Day
4. Offer your child 3 servings of milk, yoghurt or cheese. Children should drink full fat milk.
5. Offer water or milk as drinks only. Don’t offer your child fizzy drinks or cordials.