Your child’s daily calorie needs are different from your own. Understanding the appropriate amount of calories your child requires and the ways these calories are being spent is not always easy. So, here are some guidelines. The estimated amount of calories vary between gender, age as well as differences in physical activity.
Refer to the charts below to determine your child’s estimated calorie needs in accordance to age and activity level. After you have identified the recommended amount, move on to Step 2.
*These calorie levels are based on Estimated Energy Requirements (EER) from the Institute of Medicine Diatary Reference Intakes macronutrients report, 2002, calculated by gender, age and activity level. The EERs are for children 2 years of age and older.
Infants and toddlers have special dietary needs because of their rapid growth and development. Please consult with your health care provider about nutrition appropriate for this age group.
“Sedentary” means a lifestyle that has less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity in addition to normal daily activities.
“Moderately active” is a lifestyle that has at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity in addition to normal daily activities.
“Active” is a lifestyle that has 60 minutes or more of moderate physical activity in addition to normal daily activities.
Please continue to Step 2.