Concerns about pediatric nutrition and fitness have risen as new reports state that childhood obesity is, indeed, an epidemic. Families on a tight budget who struggle to feed their families have trouble making healthy food choices. The Centers for Disease Control's analysis "State Indicator Reports on Physical Activity," has helped local government realize that economic and environmental factors can deter families from participating in activities that benefit health. In response, public health initiatives are being put into schools and public spaces to increase accessibility.
Infant Requirements
Children require different nutritional needs as they age. The American Academy of Pediatrics state that babies under 12 months old require a predominantly liquid then semi-solid diet. Breast milk is encouraged as the optimal food choice for at least the first six months of life and continues to be ideal when complemented with nutritious, pureed foods. Introducing solids too early and table food before one year old is a predictor of obesity. Pediatricians base your baby's progress on growth charts that measure head circumference, weight-for-age and weight-for-height. Head circumference and weight measurements tell you and your doctor if your child is growing within normal limits. If your baby's weight exceeds the 95th percentile then she falls within the obese range. However, children change exponentially during the first year of life and most experience growth spurts that redistribute body weight as they mature.
Toddler Requirements
Your child's growth slows down significantly from year one through puberty. As a result, the appetite of a toddler is less than that of an infant and much more particular. Being a toddler is a time of independence and your child might exhibit food preferences that sometimes clash with yours. During this time it is important for you to consistently offer healthy choices, despite possible rejection as it sometimes takes 10 to 15 tries before a child will accept a new food. On average, toddlers should consume seven nutrient-rich snacks per day. Similar to the time of infancy, it is up to the parents to offer the right types of food and for the child to choose how much to eat. This is the ideal time to instill healthy eating habits by setting a good example in a pleasant eating environment.
Calorie Requirements
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, school-aged children consume mostly low-fiber, sugary foods high in fat and calories. School-aged children also drink many of their daily calories via sugar sweetened beverages. The USDA Food Intake Patterns recommends that girls four to 8 years old get 1,200 to 1,800 calories per day, 8 to 13 years old get 1,600 to 2, 200 calories daily and 14 to 18 year old females need 1,800 to 2,400 calories per day.
Boys four to 8 years old require 1,400 to 2,000 calories per day, 8 to 13 years old need 1,800 to 2,600 calories and 14 to 18 year old males need 2,200 to 3,200 calories daily.
Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle puts American children at risk for obesity. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that elementary school children engage in 2 1/2 hours of exercise per week, while adolescents in grades 9 through 12 should get 3.75 hours of exercise weekly. Some barriers to physical activity are usually based on inadequate access to safe areas as well as inadequate parental participation. Unsafe neighborhoods, lack of playgrounds and parks and a lack of community centers can restrict activities within underprivileged neighborhoods.To counteract that, many states have enacted Walk to School programs to ensure that kids get to school and get exercise while traveling.
Resources
Your community recreation centers such as the YMCA are great places for you and your family to get involved in physical activity. WIC programs and SPARK People are government-funded initiatives that provide nutrition education for families. Many children of working parents spend much of their time in school or in day care centers. After-school programs and sports are sometimes available at most public schools.
References
- Pediatric Nutrition Handbook: Policy of the American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009
- CDC: State Indicator Report for Physical Activity
- USDA: Food Intake Patterns
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