The Importance of Children's Nutrition

Make sure your child is following a healthy, balanced diet.

One in 5 school children is considered obese in the US. So, how do we stop these statistics from getting any higher? It starts with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Your child's pediatrician can always provide some helpful tips for ensuring your child is getting the vitamins and nutrients they need.

Daily Caloric Guidelines By Age

The number of calories your child consumes every day will depend on their age and their activity levels and gender. These are the caloric guidelines you should follow,

  • 2-3 years old (both girls and boys): 1,000-1,400 calories
  • 4-8 years old (boys): 1,200-2,000 calories
  • 4-8 years old (girls): 1,200-1,800 calories
  • 9-13 years old (boys): 1,600-2,600 calories
  • 9-13 years old (girls): 1,400-2,200 calories
  • 14-18 years old (boys): 2,000-3,200 calories
  • 14-18 years old (girls): 1,800-2,400 calories

Incorporating the Right Foods into Your Child’s Diet

It’s important that your child is getting a variety of healthy foods to ensure that they get all the essential vitamins and nutrients they need to grow up strong and healthy. This includes,

Lean protein: This includes seafood, poultry, eggs, beans, and nuts

Vegetables: It’s important to incorporate many vegetables into your child’s diet every day. This can include everything from leafy greens to vibrant peppers to beans. If you do choose canned vegetables, make sure to check nutrition labels to ensure that there isn’t added sugar or sodium.

Fruits: Stay away from fruit juice, which can have a ton of added sugar, and opt for fresh or frozen fruit instead. Also, limit dried fruits, which can be high in calories.

Whole grains: Whole grains provide more benefits than refined grains (e.g., white bread and rice) and include whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice.

Dairy: Include some low-fat or fat-free dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, or milk into your child’s daily diet.

While sugar won’t cause harm in moderation, it is important to limit added sugars and trans and saturated fats (found in red meat, full-fat dairy, and poultry). Wonder if your child’s diet gives them all the nutrients they need? This is something that your pediatrician can discuss with you during their next well-child visit.

Are you having challenges helping your child maintain a healthy weight? Are you concerned about their health? If so, it’s time to turn to your child’s pediatrician. They can provide you with strategies to help your child eat healthier and maintain a healthy weight.

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We will go back to regular hours when restrictions are lifted.

Monday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

  • "“Very satisfied with the care my child receives with Dr. McAfee. We’ve been seeing Dr. McAfee for years. She is like a trusted friend. Highly recommend Acton Road Pediatrics.”"
    Lisa/Pleasant Grove
  • "“Nothing worse than getting a call that your child is sick. But being able to call Acton Road Pediatrics and get them seen that day makes all the difference. Dr. Breedlove was so kind and accommodating. She put me at ease and took good care of my daughter.”"
    Jasmine/Leeds
  • "“I can’t imagine anyone but Dr. Moore as our pediatrician. We recently moved to the Birmingham area and heard a lot about Acton Road Pediatrics. Happy to say that all of the recommendations were spot on. Friendly staff, efficient processes, respectful of our time. Just a great experience all the way around.”"
    Anna/Hoover
  • "“We love Dr. Frees and her entire staff. She is down to earth and has a great bedside manner. They are like an extended family. Thanks to everyone for taking such great care of my children.”"
    Heather/Birmingham
  • "“Dr. Breedlove is amazing! She is great with her patients and spends as much time as needed with you to get all questions answered and also just to get to know you. You’re not just a number to her! You can tell she truly cares about her patients! I would recommend her to anyone!”"
    Francine/Pelham
  • "“Dr. McAfee and her staff are amazing and I even switched my daughter from her pediatrician to be seen by Dr. McAfee exclusively. She takes care and remembers you every single time. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with the care of our family.”"
    Cameron/Bluff Park
  • "“I’ll keep this simple. Dr. Moore is the best pediatrician by a long shot. I recently transferred my son’s care to her. The office staff is so friendly! I always leave feeling so much better in every way. I’ll never use anyone else for my son. If you need a great pediatrician to help you with your kid’s health and wellness do yourself a favor and meet this doctor!”"
    Lydia/Mountain Brook
  • "“My twins had their first visit with Dr. Breedlove and it was a delight. She immediately made me feel very comfortable and it felt as if she had been their doctor for years. I am very happy to have found a pediatrician that I feel I can trust with the care of my children.”"
    Monica/Hoover
  • "“Great experience! My daughter got sick at school and I was able to make a same day appointment with Acton Road Pediatrics and got in right away. The front desk staff and the medical assistant were very nice and helpful. Dr. Frees was great, gave realistic expectations and timelines. I’m so glad that we chose Dr. Frees as our pediatrician.”"
    Eleanor/Chelsea
  • "“Dr. McAfee is a great doctor! She’s very understanding and listens to your concerns. She takes time with my son to help him with his health issues! I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a pediatrician.”"
    Julie/Bessemer
  • "“As a first time parent I was really nervous. The staff and Dr. Breedlove were all very friendly and helpful. I especially loved how Dr. Breedlove really took her time to explain everything with us. The visit was great and the doctor’s demeanor has really put my husband and me at ease. I’ve told my New Mom group all about Acton Road Pediatrics!!”"
    Payton/Gardendale
  • ""Great medical office, wonderful, warm experience from start to finish. Appreciate Dr. Moore taking time to go over the diagnosis clearly and treatment options. Many thanks to everyone at Acton Road Pediatrics.""
    Angela/Birmingham
  • "“Dr. Frees is incredible. Not only has she taken great care of my children, but also she is lovely to speak with at every appointment. It’s rare to find a doctor that combines such personal touches and care for a patient as a person with outstanding quality of medical care. I highly recommend Dr. Frees!”"
    Janet/Vestavia