Nutrition in Preschool Years

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Questions and Answers

What is the age range for the preschool period?

2 to 5 years of age

Why do preschoolers' appetites decrease after infancy?

Because their growth rate slows down, they do not need as much food.

What type of foods should caregivers emphasize when planning meals and snacks for children?

Nutrient-dense foods, such as nuts and nut butters, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

Why is it important to monitor children's intake of sweets?

Because sugary items can crowd out more nutritious foods from their diets. Signup and view all the answers

What should caregivers do when choosing ready-to-eat cereals for children?

Read product labels and choose whole-grain varieties with less added sugar. Signup and view all the answers

How does the growth rate of an infant during the first 12 months compare to the growth rate during the preschool years?

The growth rate is faster during the first 12 months and slows down during the preschool years. Signup and view all the answers

What would be the approximate weight and height of a 3-year-old child if their growth rate did not slow down after infancy?

About 190 pounds and 5 feet, 7 inches tall. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for caregivers to recognize that preschool children have smaller stomach capacities than adults?

So they do not expect children to eat adult-size portions of food. Signup and view all the answers

According to MyPlate plan, what is the recommended daily caloric intake for a 3-year-old boy, depending on his physical activity level?

1200 to 1400 kcal/day Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to make mealtimes enjoyable for children?

So that mealtimes can be happy, social occasions to enjoy healthful foods with parents or caregivers, and not become a battleground. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of offering nutritious snacks to preschool children?

Nutritious snacks can fit into the child's overall diet and be offered at midmorning or midafternoon, when the child is likely to become hungry between meals. Signup and view all the answers

What should not be used to force children to eat unfamiliar foods?

Threats or bribes Signup and view all the answers

What can make raw vegetables more appealing to children?

Nutritious dips, such as yogurt dip Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of 'picky eaters' in preschool children?

They do not eat everything offered to them and may have 'food jags', periods in which they refuse to eat a food they liked in the past. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a sign if a child's lack of appetite persists?

Illness Signup and view all the answers

How should caregivers respond to 'picky eaters'?

By offering a variety of healthy foods each day and allowing the children to choose which items and how much to eat. Signup and view all the answers

What can iron deficiency lead to in children?

Decreased physical stamina, learning ability, and resistance to infection Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of daily calorie intake did snacks contribute to in American children in a recent study?

About 25% Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended as a daily serving of milk or dairy products for healthy preschool children?

2 to 2.5 cups/day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent dairy products Signup and view all the answers

Why are foods with bright colors, crisp textures, and sweet or mild flavors appealing to children?

Because they are attractive characteristics that stimulate a child's appetite. Signup and view all the answers

What is the leading calorie-containing snack of Chinese children in the same study?

Fruit Signup and view all the answers

Why do young children often resist eating new foods?

Due to the temperature, appearance, texture, and taste of the food. Signup and view all the answers

What can help reduce the risk of dental caries in children?

Brushing teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste, providing routine pediatric dental care, and reducing the number of snacks. Signup and view all the answers

How can caregivers make vegetables more appealing to young children?

By involving them in growing, selecting, or preparing fresh produce. Signup and view all the answers

Why should parents be role models for food choices and physical activity habits?

Because children are likely to imitate their parents' behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of the 'one bite policy' in meal planning?

It encourages children to try new foods. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a nutritious snack that children tend to like, according to Table 13.7?

Fruit smoothies Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to provide nutrient-dense snacks for children?

Because they can help reduce the risk of dental caries and promote overall health. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Preschool Years

The preschool period is characterized by a slow but steady growth rate, which slows down after the rapid growth rate of infancy.
By 3 years of age, the average child weighs about 32 pounds and is about 3 feet in height.
As the growth rate slows, preschoolers' appetites decrease, and they do not need as much food.

Nutrition Concerns in Preschool Children

Iron deficiency can lead to decreased physical stamina, learning ability, and resistance to infection.
Foods rich in iron, such as lean meat and enriched breads and cereals, can help prevent iron deficiency.
Milk and other dairy products are poor sources of iron, so caregivers may need to limit daily servings.

Healthy Eating Habits in Preschool Children

Caregivers should emphasize nutrient-dense foods, such as nuts and nut butters, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables.
Nutritious snacks, such as hummus with vegetable sticks, can be offered at midmorning or midafternoon.
Healthy 4- or 5-year-old children can safely eat raw vegetables without fear of choking.
Nutritious dips, such as yogurt dip, can make raw vegetables more appealing to children.

Fostering Positive Eating Behaviors

Parents should avoid nagging, forcing, and bribing children to eat.
Offering a variety of healthy foods each day and allowing children to choose which items and how much to eat can help promote positive eating behaviors.
Mealtimes should be happy, social occasions to enjoy healthful foods with parents or other caregivers.
Avoiding threats or bribes at mealtimes can help create a positive atmosphere.

Dental caries can occur in preschool children, leading to jaw pain, gum infection, and tooth loss if left untreated.
Brushing teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste, providing routine pediatric dental care and fluoridated drinking water, and reducing snack frequency can help reduce the risk of dental caries.
Food allergies, obesity, and iron deficiency are other common nutrition-related problems that affect preschool children.

Tips for Parents

Foods with bright colors, crisp textures, and sweet or mild flavors usually appeal to children.
Having the "one bite policy" can help children try new foods.
Serving food on a small colorful plate can stimulate a child's appetite.
Parents are role models for food choices and physical activity habits, so eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods and being physically active can influence children's habits.

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Description

Identify nutrition-related health concerns, practical suggestions for encouraging healthy eating habits, and steps to improve nutritional status in preschool children from 2 to 5 years of age.