Early Childhood Nutrition (0 – 5)
The Early Childhood Years
- Young children need to develop healthy eating and physical activity habits early on. Children pattern habits after parents and caregivers. Good role models are important.
- Preschoolers quickly grow and change physically, mentally, and socially.
- Preschoolers need healthy food to meet their growth and developmental needs. These can best be met by following national and/or local food guide recommendations for ages 2 - 5.
- Parents and caregivers know the importance of nutrition to a child’s physical and mental development to grow and develop. However, they also need to be good role models.
- Meal and snack times teach sharing and socializing skills. Small children have small stomachs and get full quickly. They need child-sized servings for meals and snacks that respect local traditions and customs.
- Note that even pre-school children can learn basic kitchen and gardening skills.
Recommended Number of Food Guide Servings per Day
Children
|
Age in Years
|
2-3 | 4-8 | 9-13 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sex
|
Girls and Boys | ||
|
Vegetables and Fruits
|
4 | 5 | 6 |
|
Grain Products
|
3 | 4 | 6 |
|
Milk and Alternatives
|
2 | 2 | 3-4 |
|
Meat and Alternatives
|
1 | 1 | 1-2 |
For more information and advice, visit these sites:
- Food and Nutrition - Children (Health Canada)
- Healthy Beginnings for Preschoolers (Childhood Obesity Foundation)