lecture 6: nutrition for preschool and school aged children Flashcards
How does the growth rate of young children compare to their first 12 months?
Growth rates slow down compared to the first 12 months.
What gross motor skills develop in young children?
Running, jumping, hopping, and throwing.
What fine motor skills do young children typically develop?
Dressing themselves and drawing.
How do language skills evolve in young children regarding food?
They can express hunger, thirst, and preferences.
What developmental milestones are significant for toddlers?
Independence and autonomy with walking and talking, development of teeth for chewing harder textures, and interest in exploring their environment.
How can emotions impact toddlers’ food intake?
High emotions can affect their interest in and intake of food.
What transition occurs during the toddler years in terms of diet?
A shift from primarily fluids to primarily solids.
By what age do children typically become proficient with finger food, cups, and spoons?
Before age 2.
Why should bottles not be used after the transition to primarily solids?
To reduce the risk of dental caries and obesity.
How do nutrient requirements for young children compare to their size?
They have high nutrient requirements relative to their size.
Why are nutrient-dense foods important for young children?
To support growth, development, and their increased physical activity.
Even though growth rates have slowed, why do young children still need high nutrient intake?
Their bodies require adequate nutrients to support ongoing development and activity.
What is the typical annual weight and height gain for young children?
Weight gain is 2-3 kg per year, and height gain is 3-4 inches per year.
How does the growth rate of young children affect their appetite?
A slowed growth rate leads to a decreased appetite.
What factors are considered in estimating energy requirements for children up to two years of age?
Age, gender, weight, length, and growth factor.
How are energy requirements calculated for children over two years old?
By calculating their BMR and applying an appropriate physical activity level (PAL).
Which nutrients are important for muscle growth, enzyme and hormone production?
Protein.
What nutrients are essential for energy metabolism in young children?
B vitamins and iron.
Which nutrients are important for bone development?
Calcium and vitamin D.
Why might iron and zinc be lacking in young children’s diets?
They consume small portions of animal-rich foods, which are key sources of these nutrients.
How many meals and snacks should young children have daily?
Three meals and two mid-meals (snacks).
At what age can low-fat dairy milks and products be introduced?
From 2 years.
Can breastfeeding continue beyond infancy?
Yes, breastfeeding can continue.
What type of physical activity is recommended for infants (birth to 1 year)?
Supervised, interactive floor-based play in safe environments, with 30 minutes of tummy time (including reaching, grasping, pushing, and crawling) spread throughout awake periods.
How much physical activity should toddlers (1 to 2 years) engage in daily?
At least 180 minutes of various physical activities spread throughout the day, including energetic play such as running, jumping, and twirling.
How long should infants (birth to 1 year) be restrained at a time?
No more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., in a stroller, car seat, or high chair).
Is screen time recommended for infants (birth to 1 year)?
No, screen time is not recommended for infants.
What is the maximum screen time recommended for toddlers (aged 2 years)?
No more than 1 hour in total throughout the 24-hour period.
What percentage of Australian toddlers have depleted iron stores?
Approximately 19% of Australian toddlers have depleted iron stores, and 4% have iron deficiency.
Which group has a higher prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in Australia?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in remote communities.
What are common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
Paleness, irritability, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and dizziness.
What factors can contribute to constipation in young children?
Diet and issues related to toilet training.
Why are baby (deciduous) teeth important?
They help with speech and the development of permanent teeth.
What kinds of foods contribute to dental caries in children? How can parents help prevent dental caries in children?
Sweet, sticky foods and beverages such as muesli bars, dried fruit, juice, cordial, and soft drinks. By brushing their children’s teeth twice a day and ensuring they drink fluoridated water to strengthen enamel.
At what age is it common for children to show signs of fussy eating?
Between 1-6 years old.
What is the best way to encourage a child to eat?
Hunger is the best means of getting a child to eat, so force-feeding should be avoided.
What should parents do if a child refuses a food?
Keep offering previously refused foods; it may take 10-15 exposures for the child to try and like it.
How can parents encourage children to try new foods?
Encourage your child to touch, smell, or lick the new food, and give small choices like carrots or corn.
What is the recommended increase in iron intake for vegetarian preschool and school-aged children compared to the Nutrient Reference Values (NRV)?
Aim for 80% more than the NRV for iron.
How can vegetarian children maximize the absorption of non-heme iron?
By consuming foods rich in Vitamin C alongside non-heme iron sources.
What should vegetarian preschool and school-aged children use to meet their calcium needs if they do not consume milk and dairy products?
Calcium-fortified alternatives.
Which two nutrients are primarily found in animal foods that vegetarian children need to manage carefully?
Zinc and Vitamin B12.
What are some factors that influence eating habits?
Family
* lifestyle, culture, attitudes and knowledge
Advertising and marketing
* desire high- fat, sugar and salt foods
* numerous avenues, such as TV advertising
Child care settings
* policies, knowledge and setting
* increasing attention of others’ food choices
How much of their daily food intake are children in long-day care likely to consume from the childcare center?
50%
What are the specific standards under the National Quality Framework for healthy eating in childcare?
2.2.1: Healthy eating is promoted, and the food and drinks provided are nutritious and appropriate for each child.
2.2.2: Physical activity is promoted through planned and spontaneous experiences suitable for each child.
How does the recommended amount of each serve for children differ from that for adults?
The recommended amount presented at a single occasion is less for children.
what are some consumption concerns for 2-3 year olds?
Energy contribution
* 29% of energy from discretionary foods
* 8% from added sugars (32 grams)
* 14% from saturated and trans fats
Other concerns
* Daily consumption of sugar sweetened drinks -4% of 2–3-year old’s
* intake of sodium well above the level of adequate intake (1,484mg)
* Indigenous children, on average, consume about one-third fewer serves of fruit than non-Indigenous
children.
Some good news
* low prevalence of inadequate calcium, dietary folate equivalents and iodine intakes
* 75% do the recommended amount of physical activity each day
what factors influence children’s growth?
genetics, environment and health
How does children’s growth compare to that of adults?
Children’s growth is greater than that of adults but less than that of infants and toddlers.
What are the primary roles of energy in children’s bodies?
Energy supports heat generation, muscle function, metabolism, physiological functions, and growth and development.
