Nutritional Requirement of Children Paper Example

Dairy and dairy products

The foods under this category are good sources of calcium, which play significant roles towards strong and healthier bones and teeth. Dairy also supplies protein, vitamins A, and D together with riboflavin. Examples of dairy include milk as well as yogurt creams, cheeses, and butter, which are used in various foodstuffs and meals (Mateljan, 2007).

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Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, also referred to as cereals and grains, are the largest group of food. They include starchy foods like the rice, potatoes, wheat, pasta, peas, and sweet corn. They are energy giving ingredients with 4 calories per gram hence they are energy giving foods (Mayfield, 2013).

Protein

Protein is made up of the ingredients that constitute the amino acid that should be smaller than most when dealing with dieting. It consists of all the types of meat like fish, chicken, beef, and pork. A protein plays significant roles in the body towards the repair of muscles which are critical for the growth of the young children; also it provides important chemicals for the restoration of torn muscles (Mayfield, 2013).

Fats

Fats are important to the body for the absorption of nutrients into the system. Carbohydrates contain fats, but its quantity is minimal compared to that contained in the dairy products and the meat. The healthy types of fats include saturated and unsaturated fats. Note that, the wrong kinds of fats might lead to rising of cholesterol, damage the body and clog arteries (Mateljan, 2007).

Fresh fruit and vegetables

In reference to Mayfield (2013) fruits and vegetables are the primary sources of minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates. Generally, they provide the overall good health. Both vegetables and fruits are the primary sources of vitamin A and C. However, vegetables contain iron, folate, and magnesium, and are low in trans-fat and saturate and high in fiber. On the other hand, fruits distinctively contain potassium, but they are low in saturated and trans-fat as well as high in fiber. Examples of vegetables include broccoli, spinach, romaine lettuce, and kale. Examples of fruits include apple, orange pineapple, etc.

Identify the nutritional requirement of children

According to Siegler, DeLoache, and Eisenberg (2003), the child requires adequate calcium and vitamin D, which is derived from the breast milk. The sun is another good source of vitamin D. The recommended breastfeeding period needs to last up to at least six months. Milk plays a vital role toward building of strong, healthy bones and brain development.

Carpendale and Lewis (2006) shows that the nutrients that the baby acquires in the womb play a vital role towards the initial growth and development, while the rest they get from the breast. Between 0 and 4 months, the appropriate form of nutrients is formula-feed, breast milk and the combination of both. When at 6 months, the nutrients in breast milk will not be sufficient for the child's overall growth. Therefore, the child can be introduced to weaning (Siegler, DeLoache, & Eisenberg 2003). Carpendale and Lewis (2006) adds that a toddler needs iron-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables. Foods that can do well include carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, pears, squash, bananas, applesauce, and peaches. The food is supposed to be mashed without added sugar or salt. Iron is required about 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram, all cereals and formulas are essential for the daily iron intake.

The nutritional requirements for children aged (Executive, 2006) :

1-2 years

• Vegetables - cup
• Starchy foods (cereals) - 3 oz-equivalents
• Eggs/meat/beans and fish - 2 oz-equivalents
• Milk and dairy products - 2 cups
• Sugar and fats - between and 2 child-size portions
• Fruit - 1 cup

2-3 years

• Starchy foods (cereals) - 4 servings a day, e.g., 1 slice of bread, cup of porridge
• Eggs/meat/beans and fish - 1 servings from this category every day
• Milk and dairy products - 2-3 servings a day
• Sugar and fats - between and 2 child-size portions
• Fruit and vegetables - 4 servings per day

3-5 years

• Starchy foods (cereals) - 5 servings a day
• Eggs/meat/beans and fish - serve at least 1 daily
• Milk and dairy products between 2 and 3 servings a day
• Sugar and fats - between and 2 child-size portions
• Fruit and vegetables - 3 servings of vegetables and 2 of fruit per day

5-7 years

• Starchy foods (cereals) - at least 6 servings a day
• Eggs/meat/beans and fish - serve at least 2 daily
• Milk and dairy products - between 4 to 6 servings a day
• Sugar and fats - between 1 and 2 child-size portions
• Fruit and vegetables - 4-8 servings of vegetables and 2-4 per fruit daily

Explain the role of the Early Years practitioner in meeting children's dietary requirements and encouraging healthy eating.

Moore (2017) concur that Practitioners are expected to communicate with the parents so that they can be aware of any form of allergies or particular religious or cultural obligations. They need to safeguard that they have regards for these when they are offering planning or snacks an activity involving food. Always, practitioners need to have concerns for the significance of diet to children's development. Additionally, the following needs ought to be also considered:

• The welfare of the children
• Children's rights
• Long-term effects of the diet

Explain the impacts of poor nutrition on children's health and well-being in the:

Short term:

The short time effects of poor diets can lead to fatigue, low concentration, obesity, bleeding gums, tooth decay (due to sugary food), poor hair and skin condition, bleeding gums and increased vulnerability to infections. Also, the children can lead to the physical development and weak growth, which leads to a failure to gain weight and height (Chavez, Martinez and Yaschine 1974).

Long-term

The longtime effects of poor diets can lead to health defects such as diabetes together with the emotional and social problems that are all prompted by obesity. Besides, the child might develop a weak immunity, diabetes, and osteoporosis which are caused by obesity (Chavez, Martinez and Yaschine 1974).

Explain the benefits of exercise for the children's health and well-being.

Regular exercise is essential for the development of the child's movement abilities. Penedo and Dahn (2005) supports by stating that, it helps in strengthening of the bones, stronger muscles as well as building a healthy heart. Concentrated body exercise can also assist in the relieving of some of the chronic (long-term) pain disorders through the maintenance of the physical functions and reduce fatigue. Besides offering overall physical benefits, regular activities can also lessen the symptoms of a pre-menstruation syndrome in girls. This is promoted by the moderate exercise that helps the body to produce hormones referred to as endorphins. These hormones act as the natural painkillers that can reduce the back and abdominal pain together with improving moods.

Plan opportunities/activities for children to exercise

• 7-14 months Trying to crawl
• 9-14 months Standing while supporting on firm standing objects and walking with hands held
• 9-18 months Walking alone - flat-footed gait
• From 18 months Walking with the heel to toe gait
• 16-24 months Climbing on objects such as chair
• 15-24 months or 6 months after beginning to walk Running
• 18-24 months Walking downstairs
• Learning to play by kicking or throwing the ball
• Around 22 months Running
• 2-3 years Standing on one foot
• Jumping
• 2 years after walking Hopping
• 3 years Walking in a straight line
• By 4 years Mature walking patters
• 3-4 years Pedaling a tricycle
• 5 years Skipping hop and step on each foot consecutively

References

Carpendale, J. and Lewis, C., 2006. How children develop social understanding. Blackwell Publishing.

Chavez, A., Martinez, C. and Yaschine, T., 1974. The importance of nutrition and stimuli on child mental and social development. Early malnutrition and mental development, 1, pp.211-214.

Executive, S., 2006. Nutritional guidance for early years: food choices for children aged 1-5 years in early education and childcare settings. Edinburgh: Scottish Executive.

Mateljan, G., 2007. The world's healthiest foods: essential guide for the healthiest way of eating. GMF Publishing.

Mayfield, B.J., 2013. American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 45(2), pp.194-e1.

Moore, R.C., 2017. Childhood's domain: Play and place in child development. Routledge.

Penedo, F.J. and Dahn, J.R., 2005. Exercise and well-being: a review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity. Current opinion in psychiatry, 18(2), pp.189-193.

Siegler, R.S., DeLoache, J.S. and Eisenberg, N., 2003. How children develop. Macmillan.