It is important to know how many calories children need each day to make sure they are eating the right amount for proper growth and development. Too many calories increases the risk of obesity, while not enough calories increases the risk of becoming underweight and malnutrition. Following the estimated energy intake for sedentary infants, toddlers, children and teens can help them maintain a healthy weight and growth pattern.
1 Year Old
The recommended dietary intake for sedentary females and males age at age one is 900 calories a day to include 2 oz grain, 3/4 cup vegetables, 1 cup fruit, 2 cups milk and 1.5 oz meat total for the day. If the one-year old is moderately active, add up to 200 calories extra to make sure he gets enough calories for growth.
2 to 3 Year Olds
The recommended dietary intake for sedentary female and male toddlers is 1,000 calories a day to include 3 oz grain, 1 cup vegetables, 1 cup fruit, 2 cups milk and 2 oz meat total for the day. If the toddler is moderately active, add 100 to 400 calories extra to make sure he is getting enough energy for his activity level.
4 to 8 Year Olds
The recommended dietary intake for sedentary females ages 4 to 8 years is 1,200 calories a day eaten as 4 oz grain, 1 cup vegetables, 1.5 cups fruit, 2 cups milk and 3 oz meat total for the day. The recommended dietary intake for sedentary males at this age is 1,400 calories a day eaten as 5 oz grain, 1.5 cup vegetables, 1.5 cups fruit, 2 cups milk and 4 oz meat total for the day. If the child is moderately active, add 200 to 300 calories extra.
9 to 13 Year Olds
The recommended dietary intake for sedentary females ages 9 to 13 is 1,600 calories a day eaten as 5 oz grain, 2 cup vegetables, 1.5 cups fruit, 3 cups milk and 5 oz meat total for the day. The recommended dietary intake for sedentary males at this age is 1,800 calories a day eaten as 6 oz grain, 2.5 cup vegetables, 1.5 cups fruit, 3 cups milk and 5 oz meat total for the day. If the child is moderately active, add 200 to 400 calories extra.
14 to 18 year olds
The recommended dietary intake for sedentary females ages 14 to 18 is 1,800 calories a day eaten as 6 oz grain, 2.5 cup vegetables, 1.5 cups fruit, 3 cups milk and 5 oz meat total for the day. The recommended dietary intake for sedentary males at this age is 2,200 calories a day eaten as 7 oz grain, 3 cup vegetables, 2 cups fruit, 3 cups milk and 6 oz meat total for the day. If the child is moderately active, add up to 200 calories for females, and 400 calories for males.
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