How Much Should Children Eat According To Their Age?
How much children should eat according to their age is one of the biggest doubts that every mother has. Young children should eat approximately 1,000 to 1,400 calories a day. This is because they are in a transition process, especially between 12 and 24 months of age, and it is when they begin to take solid foods and accept new flavors and textures.
The 12-24 month period
This is the time when children begin to obtain calories through various foods, apart from those provided by breast milk and formulas. You must be careful not to offer too much food, in proportions similar to those that an adult would consume. Surely your child will end up discarding and eating what his body requires.
Thus, it is very important that you know the amount of food that your child should eat according to his age, physical activity and individuality. You must be as objective as possible when it comes to your child’s needs, you know better than anyone if there are signs that should concern you or if you should consult with the pediatrician.
How much food does your child need?
You should be aware that the serving size listed on the Nutrition Facts label may not be appropriate for the age of children. The amount will vary based on different calorie needs.
You should also be aware that restaurant portions can change. Don’t be afraid or shy to ask about serving sizes and whether nutritional information is available. It’s about your baby’s health, no one is going to judge you.
There is no exact amount of calories that your children should incorporate, each child will burn calories according to their size, their metabolism or their physical activity.
The following list can give you a general idea of how much children should eat and what types of foods will meet their needs. Do not forget to consult with your pediatrician.
Amounts Children 1 to 10 Years Old Should Eat
Grains: 6-11 servings daily
The daily amount that children 1 to 3 years old should eat is:
- 1/2 slice of bread
- 1/4 cup cereal rice, cooked cereal, or pasta
- 1/4 cup dry cereal
- 2-3 crackers
For children from 4 to 6 years old it is:
- 1/2 slice of bread
- 1/3 cup cereal rice, cooked cereal, or pasta
- 1/2 cup dry cereal, 3-4 crackers
Finally, for children from 7 to 10 years old it is:
- 1 slice of bread
- 1/2 cup of cereal rice, cooked cereal or pasta
- 3/4 cup dry cereal
- 4-5 crackers
Vegetables: 2-3 servings daily
- For ages 1 to 3: 1/4 cup cooked
- For ages 4-6: 1/4 cup cooked and 1/2 cup salad
- For children 7 to 10 years: 1/2 cup of cooked cup and 1 cup of salad
Fruits: 2-3 servings daily
The daily amount that children 1 to 3 years old should eat is:
- 1/4 cup frozen canned
- 1/2 piece of fresh fruit
- 1/3 cup 100% fruit juice
For children from 4 to 6 years old it is:
- 1/4 cup frozen canned
- 1/2 piece of fresh fruit
- 1/3 cup 100% fruit juice
For children from 7 to 10 years old it is:
- 1/3 cup frozen canned
- 1 piece of fresh fruit 1/2 cup of 100% fruit juice
Meats and legumes: 2 servings daily
The daily amount for children 1 to 3 years old is:
- 1 ounce meat, fish, chicken, or tofu
- 1/4 of cooked beans, 1/2 egg
For children from 4 to 6 years old it is:
- 1 ounce meat, fish, chicken, or tofu
- 1/3 of cooked beans, 1 egg
For children from 7 to 10 years old it is:
- 2-3 ounces meat, fish, chicken, or tofu
- 1/2 cooked beans, 1 to 2 eggs
Dairy: 2-3 servings daily
The daily amount that children 1 to 3 years old should eat is:
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 ounce cheese
- 1/3 of yogurt
For children from 4 to 6 years old :
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 ounce cheese
- 1/2 cup of yogurt
For children from 7 to 10 years old it is:
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 ounce cheese
- 8/4 or 1 cup yogurt
The best thing you can do when feeding your child is to trust your own judgment and the indications that the child gives you to see if they are satisfied and receiving adequate nutrition. So you don’t have to worry if you don’t meet the nutritional averages every day. Try to include a wide variety of nutrients in your child’s diet.
