8.3.1. Nutritional needs of preschool children

Basic nutritional needs of preschoolers are similar to the nutritional needs of other members of the family. The amounts needed differ because of age, height, current weight and health status, and also their activity level. There is also an increased demand for energy to support growth and development.

Preschoolers require a diet that is somewhat identical to that of adults but in different quantities. This is because they are still growing and developing. Their individual needs depend on various factors like age, height, weight, and how active they are. As preschool children are filled with energy and often active, their bodies need more energy to help them grow and learn.

Imagine a car that requires fuel to run efficiently. Similarly, preschoolers need 'fuel' in the form of food to keep them energetic and support their growing bodies, much like a car needs fuel for its engine to work properly.

Table 4: Recommended dietary allowances for preschool children (Recommended by ICMR), 2010

Nutrient Age in years: 1–3 years Age in years: 4–6 years Energy(Kcal) 1240 1690 Protein(g) 22 30 Fat(g) 25 25 Calcium(mg) 400 400 Iron(mg) 12 18 Vitamin: Retinol(µg) 400 400 Or Beta-carotene(µg) 1600 1600 Thiamine (mg) 0.6 0.9 Riboflavin (mg) 0.7 0.1 Niacin (mg) 8 11 Vitamin C (mg) 40 40 Pyridoxine (mg) 0.9 0.9 Folic Acid (µg) 30 40 Vitamin B-12 (µg) 0.2-1 0.2-1

The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) provide guidelines on how much of each nutrient preschool children should be consuming. For example, a child aged 1 to 3 years needs about 1240 calories and 22 grams of protein daily, while children aged 4 to 6 years need about 1690 calories and 30 grams of protein. These allowances ensure they get sufficient energy and nutrients to support their growth and health.

Think of RDA as a treasure map, guiding parents on the nutrients their children need each day, similar to how a map guides adventurers to treasure. By following the map, they can ensure their kids are getting everything necessary for a healthy life.

In order to teach them that “healthy eating is part of healthy lifestyle” one can follow the suggestions given below– • Mealtime can be a family time. Eating together as a family in a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere helps children. Children learn by imitating the eating behaviour of other members of the family. • Variety is important and hence offering a choice of foods in child size portions is important. The child should be taught to finish everything on the plate. • There should be regularity in mealtime and snack time so the child gets properly hungry. • Put new items on the menu along with the child’s preferred foods. A balance between hard, soft and colourful foods should be maintained to stimulate interest.

These guidelines emphasize the importance of establishing healthy eating habits in preschool children. Eating together as a family demonstrates positive behaviors that children can mirror. It’s also critical to offer varied foods to keep mealtimes interesting. Regular meal and snack times help children regulate their hunger, and introducing new foods alongside familiar favorites makes them more likely to try them.

Imagine a colorful garden where every flower is a different food. If children are surrounded by a variety of 'flowers' during meals, they will be more curious and willing to explore each one, just like how a diverse garden attracts and delights visitors.

The diet of a preschool child should emphasize three aspects– – Variety in textures, tastes, smells and colours, to broaden a child’s nutritional intake and eating experience, – Balance of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and essential fats, – Moderation while indulging in sweets, ice creams, fast foods rich in fats and refined flours.

When planning meals for preschoolers, it should include a variety of food types, ensuring that children experience different colors, textures, and tastes. This variety not only makes meals enjoyable but also contributes to a more balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Moderating sweets and fast food consumption is important to maintain overall health.

Think of meal planning like creating a colorful painting. A good painting needs a variety of colors to be vibrant and interesting. Similarly, a child's meal should include different types of foods—fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein— to make their diet balanced and appealing.

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