03 Apr When should a child see a nutritionist?
As pediatric dietitians in New York, we can help your family and child, providing invaluable nutrition support to take the battle out of mealtime. Seeing a nutritionist who specializes in pediatric care not only can help you set the stage for healthy, sustainable habits but also support you and your family if your child or teen is struggling with allergies, diabetes, chronic disease, disordered eating, and more.
When should your child see a pediatric dietitian?
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Managing Chronic Conditions: If your child has diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic diseases, we can help develop an eating plan to manage these conditions effectively.
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Digestive Issues: It’s not uncommon for kids to struggle with constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or acid reflux. Less common, though very serious, is celiac disease. For children experiencing digestive problems, we can provide guidance on dietary adjustments to alleviate symptoms. We also provide them with strategies to manage social situations like birthday parties and school events, so they don’t end up feeling left out.
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Food Allergies or Sensitivities: If your child has food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities, we will work with you to ensure a balanced diet and your child’s safety.
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Disordered Eating: Disordered eating and eating disorders require a team of medical professionals including a pediatrician or family care practitioner, therapist, and dietitian nutritionist. We work with your team to provide you with comprehensive care and outpatient nutrition therapy to help your child overcome disordered eating, anorexia, bulimia, BED, ARFID, orthorexia, and other eating disorders. If you suspect your child might be struggling with an eating disorder, get help right away.
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Nutritional Support During Illness: For children with serious medical conditions affecting nutrition, a dietitian on our team can provide tailored dietary advice to support growth and development.
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Picky Eating: If mealtime causes stress in your home because your child is a picky eater, an RDN on our team can offer strategies to encourage a more varied and balanced diet. It’s not only what we eat that matters but how we eat. Getting nutrition support early on can help you pave the way for your child to implement healthy habits, incorporate more foods, flavors, and textures in their diet, and develop a positive relationship with food.
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Supplementation Needs: If your child needs vitamin or mineral supplements because of dietary restrictions or health conditions, we can provide guidance to ensure your child is meeting all their nutrient needs.
How do I know if my child has poor nutrition?
Many kids go through a beige period, one in which anything other than bananas, vanilla yogurt, and plain pasta or rice will not be ingested. This is no cause for alarm; however, if picky eating persists, it can lead to poor nutrition. Here are some signs:
- Slow or Stunted Growth: If your child is not growing at the expected rate for their age or is falling behind in height or weight percentiles, this could indicate inadequate nutrition. Regular check-ups with a pediatrician can track growth patterns. And working with a dietitian can help you get strategies to introduce more foods into your child’s diet.
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Fatigue or Lethargy: Low energy levels, fatigue, or irritability can be signs that your child isn’t getting enough calories or key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, or B vitamins.
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Frequent Illness: A weak immune system, leading to frequent colds or infections, could suggest that your child is not getting enough nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, or other immune-boosting vitamins.
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Pale Skin or Brittle Hair: Poor nutrition can manifest in your child’s appearance, such as pale skin, thinning hair, or weak nails. These may be signs of iron, vitamin B12, or protein deficiencies.
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Mood Swings or Behavioral Changes: Nutrient deficiencies, especially in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients, can affect mood regulation. If your child is unusually irritable, anxious, or has trouble concentrating, their diet might be a factor.
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Digestive Issues: Chronic constipation, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal problems can signal imbalances in their diet, especially if it lacks fiber or certain minerals.
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Underweight or Overweight Concerns: If your child is consistently underweight or overweight, it’s a sign that their caloric intake or nutrition might not be balanced.
- Changes in social and/or academic behavior: Good nutrition is the foundation for wellness and academic success. Eating disorders can affect a child’s cognitive functioning. Likewise, your child might start avoiding any social situations that involve food (like family meals, pizza parties, etc.) Be aware of changes in your child’s social and academic behaviors. These good be signs of more serious, underlying conditions.