Paediatric Nutrition at Dietitians NT

Nutrition and Child Development

Nutrition is fundamental to a child’s growth, development, and long-term health. From the early stages of infancy to adolescence, each phase of childhood comes with unique nutritional needs. While parents often strive to provide the best diet for their children, navigating food choices, picky eating, allergies, or medical conditions can be overwhelming. This is where Dietitians step in as trusted allies in paediatric nutrition.

Paediatric nutrition focuses on the dietary needs of infants, children, and adolescents. It includes ensuring adequate intake of calories, macronutrients (like protein, fats, and carbohydrates), and micronutrients (such as iron, calcium, and vitamins) necessary for healthy growth and development.

The Role of Dietitians in Paediatric Nutrition

1. Ensuring Growth and Development

Dietitians assess growth patterns, body weight, and dietary intake to ensure that children are developing appropriately for their age and stage. They provide tailored plans to address undernutrition, obesity, or growth faltering.

2. Managing Feeding Challenges

Picky eating, food aversions, or sensory-related eating issues are common in childhood. Dietitians work with families to create practical strategies that encourage balanced diets and positive mealtime experiences without pressure or conflict.

3. Supporting Medical Nutrition Therapy

Children with chronic conditions like diabetes, coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, or food allergies often require specialized diets. Dietitians play a key role in managing these conditions nutritionally, ensuring children receive all necessary nutrients while avoiding harmful foods.

4. Healthy Eating and Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Dietitians can help provide education and recommended requirements for children depending on age and individual factors. Dietitians can also help achieve a healthy weight, this can be challenging as we need to ensure adequate nutrition while working towards a healthy weight, taking into account growth and development. This is where specialised paediatric Dietitians come in.

5. Educating Families and Caregivers

Dietitians empower parents and caregivers with up-to-date, practical nutrition knowledge. Whether it’s introducing solids to a baby, packing a healthy school lunch, or managing adolescent eating habits, they provide guidance tailored to the family’s needs.

6. Collaborating in Multidisciplinary Teams

In hospitals, clinics, and community settings, dietitians often work alongside paediatricians, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. This team approach ensures comprehensive care for children, especially those with complex needs.

When Should Parents See a Paediatric Dietitian?

Parents might consider consulting a dietitian if their child:

• Is not gaining weight or growing as expected

• Is a very selective eater

• Has been diagnosed with a food allergy or intolerance

• Has a chronic illness requiring dietary changes

• Is overweight or at risk of obesity

• Follows a vegetarian, vegan, or other specialized diet

• Shows signs of disordered eating

• Plays high level sports or has a high volume of physical activity

Dietitians play a crucial role in shaping the health and well-being of children. We can help prevent and manage a wide range of nutritional challenges, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, strong, and well-nourished. Investing in good nutrition early in life is one of the most effective ways to build a healthier future—and our Dietitians are here to help every step of the way.

To book in with one of our paediatric Dietitians (Hannah or Kia), call 0472 604 176, or email admin@dietitiansnt.com.au