Eating Well for Children

A balanced diet plays an essential role in the growth, development and health of young children.

Here you'll find dietary information for young children from preschool to school-age. There's information on everything from how to ensure children get their nutritional requirements through to practical tips on how to supply healthy lunches for school.

Updated January 2012

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Related HealthInsite Topics

Children, Young People and Obesity

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information about obesity in children and young people.

Food Allergies

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information about food hypersensitivities and allergies.

Fruits and Vegetables for Children

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information about the importance of fruits and vegetables in children´s diets.

Healthy Lunch Boxes

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information on how to provide healthy lunches for children when they are at school.

Systematic Reviews of Dietary Interventions for Children

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to systematic reviews of the evidence for the effectiveness of special diets for children.

Vitamins and Minerals for Children

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information about the importance of vitamins and minerals in children´s diets.

57 Resources Found

Results 1 to 20 displayed.     1  2  3 

Title:   Eating disorders - children
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Eating disorders can affect children. More than half of Australian primary school age children want to lose weight. Knowing the risk factors and early warning signs in this age group can help to prevent the development of eating disorders.
Date:   Nov 2011
Title:   Growth - assessing primary school children
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Being underweight or overweight during the primary school years may cause long-term health problems. Many children think they are too fat or too thin (skinny). Always see your doctor if you are concerned about your child's growth. Growth charts are one tool doctors use to assess children's growth. A body mass index (BMI) measure for children should be used together with other measures.
Date:   Oct 2011
Title:   Vegetarian - it's more than not eating meat
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   There are really 6 forms of vegetarian eating. Vegans, lacto-vegetarian eats fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains and dairy foods
Date:   Oct 2011
Title:   Intercountry adoption - physical health
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Children who have been adopted from overseas have been used to different physical conditions and different foods from the country they are adopted into. Some child may have health conditions that are not usual in their new country.
Date:   Oct 2011
Title:   Eating tips for children (3) - older toddlers
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Toddlers can eat and enjoy many foods. However, young children can be picky or fussy eaters. Try to have fun with food, but don't force your child to eat. Snacks and drinks can be healthy too. Sweet drinks such as juice and cordials are not recommended for young children.
Date:   Sep 2011
Title:   Healthy Jarjums make Healthy Food Choices
Publisher:   Queensland Health
Description:   This page contains individual sections of the Healthy Jarjams booklet which aims to teach young children about foods that are good for their bodies, so they may improve their quality of life through better nutrition and to contribute to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in the early year's curriculum.
Date:   Sep 2011
Title:   Travelling with children
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Travelling with children is challenging, but a bit of forethought can help reduce parental stress. In many cases, keeping your holiday simple will reduce the number of problems. If travelling by plane, ask for bulkhead seats or seats near an exit to give your child a safe spot to play on the floor. Be vigilant about the dangers of unfamiliar places, such as unfenced swimming pools or balconies.
Date:   Aug 2011
Title:   Child care and healthy eating
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   All children in child care need regular healthy meals, snacks and fluids (drinks). Childcare centres should have healthy eating policies and menu plans available. Childcare facilities should also be familiar with hygiene and nutrition standards and food safety laws. Children with a food allergy or allergies need special care.
Date:   Aug 2011
Title:   Breakfast - a great way to start the day!
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   The word breakfast is really two words, 'break' and 'fast'. 'Fast' is when you don't eat food, and all during the night you have been sleeping and not eating, unless you went on a midnight raid of the fridge
Date:   Aug 2011
Title:   Eating tips for children (5) - primary school
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Children at primary school age are ready to learn about healthy food and activity. Breakfast is important. Some children are fussy or picky eaters, but snacking or grazing can be a good way to eat. School lunches and canteen food should be healthy and tasty. Family meal times are an important time to share.
Date:   May 2011
Title:   Child nutrition - juices and sweet drinks
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Encourage children to drink and enjoy water. Sweet drinks such as juice, cordial and soft drinks may cause health problems for children if consumed in large amounts. Problems may include tooth decay, diarrhoea and a poor appetite.
Date:   May 2011
Title:   Food - food groups
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   If we dont eat food then our bodies don't work. If we don't eat the right food our bodies don't work as well as they can.
Date:   Apr 2011
Title:   Balanced diet
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Does a girl on a tightrope carrying a sandwich have a balanced diet? Well it depends whats on the sandwich!
Date:   Apr 2011
Title:   Alcohol - it can affect your life
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   What is alcohol? Alcohol is a drug (a chemical that has an effect on the body, and is not a food). There are different kinds of alcohol. The kind that people drink is called ethyl alcohol. This is made by fermenting different things with yeast and water.
Date:   Apr 2011
Title:   Tips for healthy meals and snacks
Publisher:   Multicultural Health Communication Service
Description:   A dental care fact sheet on healthy meals and snacks to encourage good eating habits in children.
Date:   Apr 2011
Title:   Tips for healthy meals and snacks
Publisher:   Multicultural Health Communication Service
Description:   Healthy meal ideas for children
Date:   Apr 2011
Title:   Feeding toddlers - what and how much?
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Toddlers need to eat regularly as they only have small tummies. Offer small serves of nutritious foods 5-6 times/day
Date:   Mar 2011
Title:   Fish for young children
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Eating fish is good for the health of infants and young children in several ways, including building a strong heart and nervous system.
Date:   Mar 2011
Title:   Getting your child to eat breakfast
Publisher:   Raising Children Network (RCN)
Description:   A guide to getting children to eat a healthy breakfast or morning meal, with tips for tackling fussy eating behaviour in the morning, and information on the benefits of a nutritious breakfast.
Date:   Mar 2011
Title:   Teeth - give your child's teeth a healthy start
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Information from the South Australian Dental Service about keeping your child's teeth and gums healthy.
Date:   Feb 2011

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