Paediatrics
Childhood (birth to 11 years of age)
“Nutrition is the foundation for everything that follows — shaping growth, development, behaviour, and lifelong health.”
Nutrition during childhood
Early childhood is the phase of life from birth to 5 years, while middle childhood is 6 to 11 years. These years represent a critical period of growth and development in a child's life, where they undergo profound physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that play an important role in laying the foundation for their future health and well-being.
As such, these unique periods of the lifespan present a time of great opportunity and importance.
Early experiences, including those of dietary intake, can significantly influence a child's physical and cognitive health, later academic successes, social relationships, and overall mental health and well-being.
Ensuring adequate and appropriate nutrition during this period is crucial in supporting the rapid development experienced.
Nutrition guidance and support
Dr Bujtor provides guidance and support to empower parents and caregivers across a range of dietary issues that can present in early and middle childhood including:
- Managing reflux
- The transition to solid food
- Adequate and appropriate dietary intake at each stage of the lifespan
- Growth and development concerns
- Managing a food allergy diagnosis
- ADHD dietary management
- Assisting neurodiverse individuals with dietary management
- Digestive issues (colic, constipation, diarrhoea, IBS)
- Key nutrient deficiencies: Iron, vitamin D, calcium, fibre, folate, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E
- Vegetarian or vegan diets for children
- How to navigate food refusal, picky eating, problem feeding, and disordered eating.
Related reading
The words we use around food: a guide for parents
How everyday phrases shape your child’s relationship with eating.
Learning to like: why eating is a skill your child is still developing
Understanding the developmental steps behind how children build comfort with food.
The power of “yet”
A growth-mindset reframe for parents navigating feeding difficulties.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to develop a healthy, joyful relationship with food."
