Pediatric Nutrition & Feeding Disorders Clinic
Good nutrition is important throughout life. However, it is incredibly critical during infancy and childhood years to promote healthy growth and development in children. Plus, healthy eating habits developed in childhood go a long way into adulthood and help ensure adequate nutrition, even in the later stages of life.
At Pediatric Urgent Care, we provide pediatric nutrition assessment and treatment solutions to set the foundation for lifelong health and wellness. Our pediatric nutritionists will help you meet the general or special nutritiona l needs of your child
We work closely with families to provide family-centric care that is customized based on the individual needs and requirements of every child.
Why See a Pediatric Nutritionist
A pediatric nutritionist is a registered dietician(RD). They are trained to assess dietary needs and help overcome any nutritional deficiencies that may be identified. Since every child is unique, pediatric nutrition varies significantly among children. Plus, nutritional needs change with age.
All in all, it can be tricky for parents to ensure that all the nutritional needs of a child are met. Therefore, it is always a good idea to see a pediatric nutritionist to overview your child’s dietary needs and develop special dietary plans if required.
RDs can also h elp address the following conditions / concerns.
Food Aversion
Food aversion refers to a strong dislike for certain foods. If your child refuses to eat foods that are necessary for development, they may be experiencing food aversion due to sensory issues or any other condition.
Picky Eating Behavior
Also known as fussy or choosy eating, picky eating behavior is characterized by an unwillingness to eat certain foods and try new foods. It is part of a spectrum of feeding difficulties.
Growth & Development Concerns
Nutritional deficiencies can hold back healthy growth and development in children. So, if your child is not gaining healthy weight or growing age-appropriately, it is recommended to see a pediatric nutritionist.
Bowl Movement Disorders
Poor nutrition can lead to gastrointestinal disorders, including conditions such as irritable bowel movement, constipation, upset stomach, poor digestion, etc.
Excessive Weight Gain
Unhealthy weight gain is often attributed to poor nutrition. A change in diet may help add ress this issue successfully.
Excessive Weight Loss
Excessive or sudden weight loss may be a sign of poor nutrition or nutritional de ficiencies in the body. A healthy diet can help underweight children gain healthy weight. Supplementations may be required.
Weaning Problems / Diff iculty in Introducing New Foods
Nutritional requirements change with age. Therefore, introducing new foods is essential as children grow. However, the process is not always seamless. A registered dietician can help you overcome these problems.
Supplementations
Picky eaters or children with special nutritional needs may not receive all the nutrients they need from food. As a result, supplements may be required.
Special Diet Plans
Certain lifestyle choices, such as choosing a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle , and other medical conditions such as allergies or intolerances, may limit certain food options. In such cases, an RD can help develop special diet plans to ensure adequate nutrition.
How RDs Help Support Pediatric Healthcare
At Pediatric Urgent Care, we can help your child overcome several diet and nutrition-related problems. We follow a multidisciplinary, family-centric approach to ensure optimal pediatric health and nutrition. Here’s what an RD can do for you.
- Assess individual nutritional needs and requirements of your child
- Create special diet plans for children with feeding difficulties / allergies / intolerances
- Create special diet plans for children on special diets, including a vegan and vege tarian diet
- Provide nutrition coaching to educate parents
- Provide unbiased, research-based information about breastfeeding
- Reduce picky eating behavior
- Help with nighttime feeding problems
Are you struggling to meet the nutritional needs of your child or have pediatric nutrition concerns? If yes, contact RDs and pediatric nutrition ists today at Pediatric Urgent Care.