Nutritional Regimen for Children by Age Group

Child nutrition is based on the same principles as adult nutrition. Everyone requires the same types of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. However, at each stage of a child's development, the body requires different compositions and quantities of these nutrients.

Nutrition for Infants
If breastfed, an infant should be fed 8 to 12 times per day or according to the baby's demand. Around 4 months of age, the frequency of feedings may decrease to 6-8 times per day, although the volume of breast milk per feeding will increase.

Infants fed with formula should be fed approximately 6-8 times per day, starting with 57–85g of formula per feeding (a total of approximately 450–680g per day). Similar to breastfed infants, the frequency of feedings will decrease as the baby grows, but the amount of formula will increase to approximately 170-227g per feeding.

After 4 months, the infant's digestive system is relatively mature, allowing the baby to digest foods other than milk. Therefore, between 4-6 months of age, in addition to milk, one may begin introducing liquid complementary foods. Solid foods should not be given, as they may cause choking due to the infant's body not yet being adapted.

From 6 months onwards, most infants are ready to start consuming solid foods such as infant cereals, pureed fruits, vegetables, and meats. These foods are necessary because breast milk may not provide sufficient iron and zinc for the child's development.



Nutrition for Children Aged 6-12 Months

From 6-8 months of age, continue to provide breast milk or formula 3-5 times per day. The baby will begin to consume less milk as solid foods become the primary source of nutrition. At this stage, you may begin introducing other plant-based foods: vegetables (potatoes, green beans, carrots, and peas) are excellent choices and should be thoroughly cooked and mashed; fruits (such as mashed bananas, avocados, peaches, or apples) are also recommended.

From 8-12 months of age, continue to provide breast milk or formula 3-4 times per day. At this age, minced meat should be added to the child's diet.



Nutrition for Children Aged 1 Year

When a child reaches 1 year of age, the amount of solid food should be gradually increased, and the child will consume less milk. At this stage, the child needs to be provided with nutrients from meat, fruits, vegetables, bread, grains, and dairy products, especially whole milk. This ensures an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. However, breast milk or formula remains a primary source of nutrition throughout the first year of life; therefore, at this stage, milk should still account for approximately 70% of the diet.

It should be noted that during this period, as children begin to crawl and walk, they may eat less at each meal but will eat more frequently (4-6 times) throughout the day; therefore, parents should include snacks in the child's diet.

Nutrition for Children Aged 2-5 Years

After 24 months, most children have a full set of teeth and are more robust than in the 1-year-old stage. At this point, they no longer require porridge or pureed food and can consume adult-like meals. Parents should encourage children to eat with the family to establish healthy eating habits. Meals for the child may include thick porridge, thick soup, rice, etc., while still providing milk at least once a day. In addition to 3 main family meals, you may provide 2 snacks in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Snacks help prevent hunger and improve appetite; for these snacks, you should offer fruits, milk, or yogurt to support the digestive system.

To ensure children are healthy and developing well, a nutritional regimen must be sufficient in quantity and balanced in quality. Failure to provide adequate and balanced nutrients can lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses, which negatively affect the child's comprehensive development, including physical, mental, and motor growth.

Improper eating habits increase the risk of micronutrient deficiencies, leading to anorexia, stunted growth, and poor absorption. If these signs are observed, parents should supplement the child's diet with products containing lysine, essential micronutrients, and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B-group vitamins to meet the child's nutritional requirements. Furthermore, these essential vitamins support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, improve anorexia, and stimulate appetite.

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