How Much Food Does Your Child Need?

Many times, parents will ask us at Pediatric Care Centers just how much food and fluids their child needs. They may be concerned that children are eating and drinking either too much or too little based on body weight, appearance, and comparison with other children.

While children may have different nutritional needs based on their body type and activity levels, there are some general guidelines you can use to help you determine if they are out of balance.

These charts give U.S. Department of Agriculture Guidelines for daily calorie needs and food quantities. However, remember that these are approximations across large segments of the population. Talk with your pediatrician for more information and results of your children’s regular checkups to give you a more comprehensive picture of their overall health.

Adapted from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Energy-In-Recommended-Food-Drink-Amounts-for-Children.aspx