Babies, toddlers and children need energy and adequate amounts of certain nutrients for normal growth and development. A healthy, well-balanced diet with lots of variety is essential to ensure all these nutrient requirements are met.

Childhood obesity is a growing concern with somewhere between 40-69 per cent of children being largely inactive; spending less than one hour a day participating in physical activity.* Whilst energy needs for children are high due to rapid growth, it is important to encourage your child to be active not only to maintain a healthy weight but also to improve bone strength.

Remember, above all children should enjoy their food and eating and mealtimes should be pleasurable.

* British Nutrition Foundation