duced because the infant has better control of the tongue movements and swallowing mechanisms for handling solid foods. Moreover, there is less likelihood of allergic reactions to food. Solid foods also play a key role in supplying nutrients. However, infants like adults, happily respond to sweet foods. Too much sugar, could displace needed foods supplying proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It can upset water balance (osmotic balance) in the intestines and lead to diarrhea. Preschool and School Children During these years, children’s growth patterns vary widely. Some children by heredity, are destined to be short and stocky, others tall and slender. Some children have growth spurts at an earlier age than others. As with infants, satisfactory progress is best determined by following the child’s own measurements from month to month, year to year. During the second year, the toddler’s weight gain is about 3.5-4.5 kg (8-10lb). From the second birthday to the ninth year, the increase in height and weight is at a much slower rate. For instance, the annual gain in weight drops to 2-3 kg. Many physical and behavioral changes set the stage for maturation in the nutritional area. At this stage, children have lost most of their “baby fat.” The next years show muscles increasing in size and firmness, and bones becoming stronger. Just the same for infants, preschool and school age children need the necessary nutrients to assist in the steady growth and development through the life stages. During these years, nutrient requirements vary from child to child, depending on individual variability. Interestingly, based on body weight, nutrient requirements of children are higher than those of adults. This is accounted mainly because of growth-children are in a state of positive nitrogen balance. Building good food habits and introducing new foods to children requires perseverance, as the appetites of young ...
