Fact sheetDiet specifications

Published: November 2012. Next review: 2024.


Child 9 - 13 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 9-13 years of age who are able to eat at an age appropriate level.

Characteristics

A diet that meets the Nutrition standards for paediatric inpatients in NSW hospitals. Medium serves. A wide range of foods from all food groups is included. 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 9-13 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.

Full serve size is appropriate.

Refer to 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 -
Sauces, gravies All -
Starchy vegetables/pasta/rice All  -
Vegetables All -
Soups All if local policy permits -
Sandwiches All -
Salads, dressings All -
Breads, cereals All -
Spreads All -
Hot breakfast choices All -
Fruit All -
Yoghurt All, reduced fat yoghurt preferable -
Desserts All -
Milk and cheese All, reduced fat milk preferable -
Beverages All others Tea, coffee
Biscuits All -
Miscellaneous  Alcohol

References

  1. Agency for Clinical Innovation. Nutrition standards for paediatric inpatients in NSW hospitals. Sydney 2011.
  2. Agency for Clinical Innovation. Nutrition standards for adult inpatients in NSW hospitals. Sydney 2011.
  3. American Dietetic Association. Paediatric Nutrition Care Manual. Chicago: ADA.
  4. Dietitians Association of Australia. 2009. Nutrition Manual 8th ed. Canberra: DAA.
  5. Shaw V and Lawson M. Clinical Paediatric Dietetics. 3rd Edition. 2007. Blackwell Publishing.
  6. NHMRC Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents 2012.
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