Children need a sufficient amount of calories per day to promote growth and maintain activity levels. The stages of growth and development beginning from infancy and into teenage years requires various daily calories, depending on the gender and activity level of the child. Being aware of the daily calorie needs for children can help you know if your child is meeting adequate levels for each stage of childhood.
Infancy
According to the 2000 Dietary Reference Intakes table, infant boys require 472 to 844 calories per day, depending on month age, and infant girls require 438 to 768 calories per day depending on month age. For example, a six-month-old male requires 645 calories per day, and a six-month-old female requires 593 calories per day. The Merck Manual Calorie Requirements Table lists that babies under six months of age require 50 to 55 calories per pound, and 45 calories per pound for a one-year-old child. Since babies typically double their birth length and triple their birth weight, infancy is a rapid growth stage, so adequate daily calories is important.
Childhood
According to the Institutes of Medicine 2002 Dietary Reference Intakes, the Estimated Energy Requirements for children vary depending on age, gender, and activity level of children. For children ages 2 to 3 years old, male or female, the requirement is 1,000 to 1,400 calories per day for moderately active and active children. The range for males and females ages 4 to 8, who are moderately active is 1,400 to 1,600 calories per day. Kids in this age range are in the beginning of school years, and may also participate in after school activities like soccer, baseball or gymnastics. According to the table, sedentary is defined as light physical activity associated with typical day to day life, and moderately active is defined as physically active equivalent to walking 1.5 to 3 miles per day at a rate of 3 to 4 miles per hour, in addition to typical day to day light daily physical activity.
Pre-Teen Years
Since this age group often involves the approaching of or start of puberty, calorie needs increase. This age group of children tend to be active with after school sports, dance and other activities. Females ages 9 to 13, moderately active, need 1,600 to 2,000 calories per day. Sedentary females in this age range require 1,600 calories per day. For males, ages 9 to 13, moderately active, the range is 1,800 to 2,200 calories per day.
Teenage Years
During the teenage years growth and puberty continues and many begin to approach their adult height. Females ages 14 to 18 who are moderately active require 2,000 calories per day, and moderately active males ages 14 to 18 require 2,400 to 2,800 calories per day. Since some teenagers participate in school athletics in addition to other activities, such as cheerleading, dance, rock climbing, or martial arts, the calorie requirements increase for active teenagers. For females ages 14 to 18, it increases to 2,400 calories per day, and for males ages 14 to 18, it is 2,800 to 3,200 calories per day. Active is defined as physical activity equivalent to walking more than 3 miles per day, at a rate of 3 to 4 miles per hour, including daily light physical activity.
Underweight, Overweight, or Obese Children
Due to the rise in childhood overweight and obesity, health experts are advising an increase in activity and healthier food choices for children who are overweight, obese or at risk for becoming overweight. If parents suspect overweight or obesity in a child, they should consult their pediatrician. Calories should not be restricted in children as it can interfere with growth and development, especially without guidance from a pediatrician. A pediatrician should be consulted if a child appears to be underweight as well. Your child's pediatrician is the best source to help you understand your child's daily calories needs, and to assess your child's growth every year.
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