Child 4 - 8 years
This document is part of the ACI Diet Specifications for Paediatric Inpatients. It is not to be used for patient education.
Aim
To provide a balanced diet with a variety of foods for children 4-8 years of age who are able to eat at an age appropriate level.
Characteristics
Diet contains adequate and varied nutrition for optimal growth and development in children aged 4-8 years from developmentally appropriate foods. A wide range of foods from all food groups is included. Meets the Nutrition standards for paediatric inpatients in NSW hospitals. Reduced fat dairy is recommended.
A wide range of textures is provided.
Snacks contribute significantly to nutrient intake because of the wide variation in the amount of food eaten at different meal times.
Indications
Suitable for children 4-8 years of age who are nutritionally well and nutritionally at-risk. May be combined with other therapeutic diet orders for children who have special or high nutritional needs. This diet may be combined with thickened fluids/texture modifications.
Nutritional adequacy
Nutritionally adequate.
Note ½ serve sizes is appropriate to ensure sufficient food variety and manageable serve size.
Refer to the Paediatric Nutrition Standards for Minimum Menu Choice for serve size requirements for varying ages.
Precautions
At all ages children’s individual growth and development will result in a wide range of appetite.
Specific menu planning guidelines
| Allowed | Not allowed | |
|---|---|---|
| Hot main dishes | All ½ serve size | - |
| Sauces, gravies | All | - |
| Starchy vegetables/pasta/rice | All ½ serve size | - |
| Vegetables | All ½ serve size | - |
| Soups | None | All |
| Sandwiches | All | - |
| Salads, dressings | All | - |
| Breads, cereals | All | - |
| Spreads | All | - |
| Hot breakfast choices | All | - |
| Fruit | All | - |
| Yoghurt | Reduced fat yoghurt preferable | - |
| Desserts | All | - |
| Milk and cheese | Reduced fat milk preferable | |
| Beverages | All others | Tea, coffee |
| Biscuits | All | - |
| Miscellaneous | Alcohol |
References
- Agency for Clinical Innovation. Nutrition standards for paediatric inpatients in NSW hospitals. Sydney 2011.
- Agency for Clinical Innovation. Nutrition standards for adult inpatients in NSW hospitals. Sydney 2011.
- American Dietetic Association. Paediatric Nutrition Care Manual. Chicago: ADA.
- Dietitians Association of Australia. 2009. Nutrition Manual 8th ed. Canberra: DAA.
- Shaw V and Lawson M. Clinical Paediatric Dietetics. 3rd Edition. 2007. Blackwell Publishing.
- NHMRC Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents 2012.