Growth and development from toddler through to preschoolers and school age children is one of the most important stages of development of life. This period is marked by increase rate of growth in all dimensions of life. This is matched with increased demand of nutrients. To understand growth and development and correlated nutrient demand throughout this period, it is important to look at each and every stage independently.
During infancy, the child undergoes a rapid growth and development. Infancy is a critical period of development since the body is experiencing a rapid growth of some body organs. There is a high demand of energy and proteins due to rapid rate of growth. Since the child is born with nutrients reserves, the child should be exclusively breastfed as breast milk contains all the nutrients the child needs for the first six months. Breast milk also contains immunoglobins which strengthen the immune system and is safe to the mother. AT the age of six month, most nutrient reserves, especially iron are depleted and the child will require weaning to supplement nutrients in breast milk. Complementary feeding should be introduced from six months and each food at a time to track its effect on the child. By the age of 12 months, the child should be consuming most of the table foods.
Toddler period begins soon after the child attains 12 months of age until they attain the age of 2 years. At this stage, the child has learned to walk up steps when held in the hand and can utter 10 to 25 words. The child may also begin to play with other children. Like in infancy, the child has increased nutrient demand to match the rapid growth of body cells. There will be increased energy demand as the body muscles continue to growth and there is increased body movement and control. There will also be increased protein needs to generate new body cells while vitamins and mineral will be required for high body metabolism and building immune system. At this stage also the child learns to use their fingers and therefore parents can start introducing finger foods to teach the child to eat by themselves. Although the child can eat a wide range of table foods, breastfeeding should be continued until the child attains the age of 2 years. At this stage, the child will require a balanced diet.
Preschool period ranges from three to five years. During this period, the child continues with high rate of growth and development. Apart from physical and cognitive growth, there is a high level of social growth. The child interacts and plays with other children. Preschoolers can eat the food eaten by the rest of the family members unless they have allergic problems with some of the foods. However, their rate of growth is quite high compared to that of adults and therefore their diet should take this into consideration. At this period, the child may also start developing crave for junks and though there should be room for treats, this should be limited to ensure the child adhere to a health diet. Preschoolers should be allowed to feed by themselves.
School going age starts from five years onwards. This is a time of great change in the child as the child experience a slowed physical growth until they reach adolescent but there is growth in abstract and logical reasoning. This period is also marked by independence which may affect food intake due to preferences and peer influence. Parents must ensure adherence to a healthy balanced diet. While school aged children may eat junk foods in school or not meet dietary requirements at school, the two meal children eat at home, breakfast and supper, must be well balanced. At this period, parents must teach children on healthy eating patterns and dangers of junk food.