How many calories should a child eat daily

Calories are a measurement used to indicate how much energy a specific drink or food can provide for your body if you consume it. The majority of beverages and foods contain calories, although some -- such as water -- have none. Since calories play a major role in how much you weigh, which can affect your overall health and self-image, it is understandable why they are a big concern for numerous people.

Significance

Calorie recommendations for children take into account their age, gender, activity level, size and unique nutrient requirements, states MayoClinic.com. For example, older children generally need to consume more calories than younger children, and less physically active children should usually consume fewer calories than more physically active children in the same age group. The goal of calorie guidelines is to make sure children get all of the energy and nutrients their bodies need for proper development, functioning and growth, while also maintaining a healthy weight.

Calorie Guidelines

Both boys and girls ages 2 to 3 should consume approximately 1,000 to 1,400 calories each day, explains MayoClinic.com. As children grow older, boys begin to require more calories on average than girls. As a result, boys ages 4 to 8 need approximately 1,400 to 2,000 calories every day, whereas girls in the same age range typically need only 1,200 to 1,800 calories. Girls ages 9 to 13 should eat about 1,600 to 2,200 calories a day, and boys of a similar age should consumer approximately 1,800 to 2,600. In the teenage years from 14 to 18, boys should eat roughly 2,200 to 3,200 calories daily and girls 1,800 to 2,400 calories.

Calorie Function

Your body burns calories continually to produce the energy it requires to perform basic activities, such as breathing and sleeping. Growing children burn calories as their bodies develop, which is why it is important to ensure children eat enough. If too many calories are consumed and not used for energy, the body will eventually start converting the excess calories to fat.

Food Features

Parents do not need to worry about their children getting enough calories, minerals and vitamins if they provide their children with a diverse selection of healthy and nutritious foods, points out KidsHealth. One way to ensure your child eats well is to follow the suggestions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Guide Pyramid outlined on the website MyPyramid.gov. The Food Guide Pyramid emphasizes eating selections from the five basic groups of food, which are dairy products, fruits, grains, proteins and vegetables. A diet that contains primarily fruit, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, vegetables and whole grains is healthiest.

Calorie Considerations

Although MayoClinic.com and other health organizations provide calorie guidelines, most children are able to eat the appropriate amount simply by paying attention to when they are and are not hungry, notes KidsHealth. The only time parents may need to monitor their child's eating habits closely is if he is overweight or has a medical condition, such as cystic fibrosis. In such cases, consult a healthcare provider for guidance.