Explain the Feeding process for Preschoolers?
The word preschool children, you may be aware, is used for children less than six years of age. After the first year, there is a sustained growth in childhood, which is not as rapid as in infancy yet the growth needs are high. Growth occurs in spurts; nevertheless children should grow @ 6-7 cm/year in height and 1.5-3 kg/year in weight. Further, the preschool years are characterized by increased physical activity. Physical activity, you know, influences energy needs. Due to these physiological conditions, children during this period, in fact, are most susceptible to malnutrition. Situations that promote malnutrition also favour a high incidence of infectious diseases, which in turn further contribute to the malnutrition. For many children, under five - and particularly those under three - years of age who live in these conditions, being sick or convalescing from diarrhoea or a respiratory infection is part of "normal life", because they experience this several times a year, with each episode lasting two to 15 days and requiring up to twice that time to achieve full recovery, provided that an intervening new episode of disease does not interrupt the recovery process. Infections of this nature often result in negative energy balance resulting from poor appetite, decreased absorption of nutrients during diarrhoeal episodes and increased metabolic rate, particularly in febrile processes. This leads to chronic mild wasting (i.e. low weight-for-height) and stunting (i, e. low height-for-age), which may be prevented, ameliorated or corrected if adequate care and food are available, especially in the periods between infectious episodes when appetite has been re-established. If, on the contrary conditions do not improve, the status quo of mild malnutrition is maintained, the possibility for catch-up growth is reduced and the consequences of malnutrition will continue. Thus, the preschool period is the challenging period in normal nutrition.
Interestingly, this is also the time when eating habits get established among preschoolers. The family determines the feeding habits of children. Colour, flavour, texture, shape, stories appeal to make food choice among children. Food performances and total food intake fluctuates and change from time to time. Appetite is erratic. So then considering these factors how do we ensure proper nutrition and eating habits during these vulnerable years? Let's find out.
A nutritionally adequate diet is essential for optimal growth and development. Children below the age of five years should be given less bulky foods, but rich in energy and protein (such as cereal pulse combinations, legumes, pulses, eggs, meat etc.). Vegetables including green leafy vegetables and seasonal fruits should be part of their daily menu. Care should be taken that ingredient from all food groups get included in child's diet.
Note: Children 1-6 year consumes Y2-% the amount of cereals, pulses and vegetables as compared to sedentary woman but has an extra cup of milk.