Children 2-5 years have high nutrient requirements due to rapid growth. By this time, they eat at the table with other family members. Therefore, caregivers should teach their children to eat nutritious foods by themselves eating those nutritious foods since children emulate what other family members are eating. By accommodating healthy eating practices, children are influenced to eat nutritious and healthy foods. The contrary is true also, when junk food is the main food, children adopt to eating junk .This predisposes them to risk of malnutrition which can present as overweight or obesity.
They are also likely to be picky at that they eat. Try to make their foods appealing by including a variety of foods with different colours, flavours and textures. Provide them with regular meals and snacks in between. Choose heathy snacks that are nutrient dense. Allow them to engage in physical activity by playing around even if for an hour. Encourage them to participate in small chores when possible .Avoid sugary beverages an instead opt for water or milk. Also avoid sugary foods to reduce the risks of dental caries.
Ensure your child obtains adequate amounts of various nutrients. Include cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, milk, eggs, fish, grains etc. Consider including a variety of iron –rich foods because at this age group, there is high risk of iron-deficiency due to inadequate intake and parasitic infections from coming into contact with dirty objects.
If allergies present when your child consumes a certain food or foods, consult with a physician for further guidance. The physician may inform that you need to exclude the foods from the child’s diet for some time or substitute with others in a food group.
Attend regular clinic visits for child growth monitoring. You will likely receive advice on how to enhance appetite if child has low appetite. You may also be counselled whether your child requires nutrient supplementation if there is a deficiency.