Therapeutic diet
Child nutrition plan
Support growth in a child living with, or affected by, chronic illness.
Childhood chronic illnessPoor growthCystic fibrosisChildhood cancerType 1 diabetes
Principles
- Growth is the outcome that matters — track weight and height on a chart
- Children need more energy per kilogram than adults
- Keep mealtimes calm and unpressured; pressure reduces intake
- Parents decide what and when; the child decides how much
Include
- Full-fat milk and dairy for under-fives and for any child losing weight
- Protein at each meal and snack
- Regular meals plus two to three snacks
- Familiar foods presented consistently, without force
Avoid or limit
- Grazing on sugary drinks and snacks that blunt appetite
- Battles at the table — they extend feeding problems for years
- Restrictive adult diets applied to children
A sample day
- BreakfastPorridge with full-fat milk and fruit
- SnackCheese cubes and crackers
- LunchChicken and rice with soft vegetables
- SnackYoghurt or banana with peanut butter
- DinnerFish, potato, vegetables; milk pudding
Cautions
- · Any child crossing downward through growth centiles needs paediatric dietetic review.
- · Never restrict a child's diet for weight without specialist supervision.
Afya Companion offers education and self-help support. It does not diagnose, treat or replace care from your doctor, nurse, psychologist or dietitian. If something in your health changes, speak to your care team.