Feeding in the second year of life

Preschool age includes the period from two to six years. The school period is from 6 to 12 years old. During the preschool and school period, there has been a deceleration in the rate of growth with respect to the first year of life. However, growth must be present, accompanied by a regular increase in weight.

In the second year of life the intestine has matured and the child's diet closely resembles that of the adult.

Around the age of two, children have a decreased appetite because their growth is slower than in the previous stages and they need fewer calories. They tend to be more anarchic in the amount of food they eat, they can overtake one meal and compensate by eating less the next. Despite all this, the amount of total daily calories is correct and there is no need to be alarmed if the Pediatrician observes a correct weight gain. What is important is to try to set guidelines and a routine around eating.

They should be given autonomy and allowed to eat alone. Practically the diet is very similar to that of adults, so they must get used to eating everything. The child expresses his preferences and tastes; in many cases it imitates adult behavior.

You must create a positive environment in front of the food and maintain a series of routines and schedules. It is important to encourage eating as a family.

A balanced diet from the age of two will contribute to a better development and growth of the child and will be the basis for acquiring healthy habits.

A child between one and three years old needs to ingest about 1,300 kcal / day and between 4 and six about 1,800. Breakfast should provide 25% of daily calories and lunch and dinner 30%. The snack should not exceed 15% of the total daily calories.

Proteins should provide between 10-15% of the calories in the diet and are very important for growth. Carbohydrates provide half of the daily calories and fat 30-35%.

One way to achieve a good nutritional balance is to follow the pattern of the "Mediterranean diet". With a balanced diet, vitamin supplements are not necessary.

The child from 2 to 6 years old should consume cereals daily (which have carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals); vegetables or legumes (which provide fiber, minerals, vitamins, and protein); At least half a liter of milk a day (or dairy derivatives), fruits and olive oil.

Below are the servings of the different food groups for this age group with serving examples:

• Milk and derivatives: 2 or 3 servings (250 ml of milk, 2 yogurts, 40 g of cheese). Yogurts have practically the same composition as milk, they are easier to digest, help to replenish the intestinal flora and are lower in lactose
• Meat, fish, eggs and legumes: 2 servings (80 g of meat, fish or chicken, 100 g of cooked lentils or chickpeas or 1 egg)
• Bread, cereals, pasta and rice: 3 to 5 servings (80 g of bread, 1 potato, 1 plate of rice)
• Fruit and vegetables: 5 servings (150 g of boiled vegetables, piece of fruit, salad)
• Olive oil: 4 or 5 tablespoons.

The consumption of sweets in the diet and of snacks that do not feed the child and satisfy him must be limited. The same goes for sweet drinks. The best drink is water and packaged soft drinks or juices are reserved for special situations.

Cow's milk must be whole, not skim, since it contains fats necessary for the nutrition of the child.

It is highly recommended that meals be prepared at home, with fresh products of the highest quality and taking extreme hygiene measures.

Latest recommendations:

• The child must decide how much to eat and must avoid snacking between meals
• You should eat only if you can
• Do not fill the plate to the top; it is better to offer small amounts and repeat if the child wishes.
• Eat as a family with regular hours.