Child Nutrition and Wellbeing: Needs, Feeding and Influences
Core concepts
Nutrition content covers energy and nutrient needs across stages: breastfeeding and formula in infancy, introduction of solids around six months with iron-rich foods, and the gradual transition to family meals. Know the five food groups, the role of iron, calcium, protein, fibre and water, and the risks of excess added sugar, salt and saturated fat. Understand responsive feeding, hunger and satiety cues, and the division of responsibility: adults decide what, when and where; children decide whether and how much. Learn about food allergies, choking hazards, dental health, and the link between nutrition, growth and cognition. Wellbeing includes sleep, physical activity, mental health, secure relationships and belonging. Recognise social determinants: income, food security, culture, advertising and family routines.
Traps in questions
Watch for questions that recommend restriction or forced feeding, or that treat a single food as a cure. Another trap is confusing allergy with intolerance, or recommending solids before four months. Be careful with 'healthy weight' language: focus on behaviours and growth patterns, not blame.
Worked rule of thumb
For any feeding scenario, apply the division of responsibility and check developmental readiness (head control, sitting, loss of tongue thrust). Example: a parent worried a two-year-old 'barely eats' can be reassured by offering structured meals and snacks, no pressure, and monitoring growth rather than counting mouthfuls.
Exam skill
Link nutrition advice to developmental stage, culture and family context, and avoid moralising language.