Growth Of Children: Children grow a lot during their early years, but sometimes they might not grow as quickly as expected. This can be worrying for parents who may not understand why their child is not growing properly. There are different reasons for this, such as not getting enough nutrients, having ongoing illnesses, or being affected by things in the environment.
Around the world, about 149 million children under the age of five are not growing as they should. According to a report from the World Health Organization, nearly one-third of children in India are not growing well. The report estimates that there are about 40.6 million children facing growth challenges in the country.
Now, let’s talk about something called “catch-up growth.” This is when a child starts growing faster to catch up with their peers. We’ll look at what causes this and how parents can help their child with this catch-up growth journey.
What is catch- up growth?
Catch-up growth occurs when children, after experiencing malnutrition, undergo accelerated growth upon receiving sufficient nutrition. This phenomenon helps them recover from being shorter than their expected height. When kids receive the right amount of calories, protein, and essential nutrients, it helps them recover from the growth setback. Additionally, it supports their ongoing development.
Sometimes, children might not grow properly because they lack important minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc. It’s crucial to make sure they have a balanced diet to promote their growth. Along with good nutrition, getting involved in physical activities is also important for the overall well-being and growth of children.
How to Promote Growth of Children through Nutritional Intervention
Promoting the growth of children through nutrition is really important. It’s not just about making sure they eat their veggies, but it involves looking at the overall picture. Good nutrition is key for kids to grow not only in height but also for their brain development and immune system.
Kids are usually more active than adults, so they get hungry often. It’s essential to give them a balanced diet with different healthy foods to support their growth. If you notice that a child is not growing as expected, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor for guidance on how to help them grow properly.
Here are some simple ways to help your child grow and develop healthy habits:
- Keep track of your child’s growth: It’s important to regularly measure and monitor your child’s growth, especially between the ages of 2 and 6. Using tools like a growth diary can help you keep tabs on their development. Regular measurements can help detect any growth issues early on, so you can take action to address them.
- Encourage a balanced diet: Make sure your child eats a variety of foods, including cereals, pulses, milk, meat, fruits, and vegetables. This balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for healthy bone development. If your child is a picky eater, you can use supplements to ensure they get all the essential nutrients. Get your child involved in shopping and cooking to make mealtime more interesting. Try creative ways, like using cookie cutters or serving colorful foods, to make meals appealing.
- Promote physical activity: Create a balanced play routine to limit screen time and encourage at least 3 hours of physical activity daily. Activities like swimming, running, skipping, walking, or dancing contribute to overall physical well-being and enhance bone health. Consider having “gadget-free” days on holidays to promote family time.
To support your child’s comprehensive development, focus on a well-rounded diet that enhances the absorption of important nutrients. If your child struggles to get enough nutrients, supplements can fill in the gaps and boost the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals from food. Think of it as turning up the volume on nutrient absorption, helping your child make the most of every bite for their growth.
