Healthy eating for children
Good nutrition in childhood supports growth, learning and lifelong habits. Here is what children need and how to make it easy at home.
5 min read
of exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by WHO
children under 5 were overweight in 2022 (WHO)
of activity a day for children aged 5–17
added sugar is advised for children under 2 by many health bodies
What growing bodies need
Children need energy and protein for growth, calcium and vitamin D for bones, and iron for the brain and blood. A varied diet of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, dairy, eggs, legumes, fish and meat usually covers these needs.
Making healthy food the easy choice
Keep fruit and cut vegetables visible, offer water at meals, eat together as a family, and let children help with simple cooking. Children may need to try a new food many times before they accept it — keep offering without pressure.
Limit sugary drinks and snacks
Juice, soft drinks, sweets and packaged snacks are major sources of sugar for children. Save them for occasional treats and avoid using food as a reward.
Sources: WHO fact sheets; Global Burden of Disease study (The Lancet, 2019). General information, not medical advice.
