Prevention & life stages
Healthy Eating for Children
Children thrive on a varied, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, limited sugary and salty foods, and healthy habits set early.
What it means
Healthy eating for children means offering a variety of foods from the main groups in child-sized portions, encouraging good habits, and limiting foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. Young children have some different needs from adults.
Why it matters
A good diet supports children’s growth, development, energy, concentration and dental health, and helps prevent excess weight. Habits formed in childhood often carry into adult life.
Practical tips
How to make it work
- Offer a variety of fruit and vegetables every day, aiming for 5 A Day in child-sized portions.
- Base meals on starchy foods (ideally wholegrain), with protein foods and dairy or alternatives.
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks — offer water and milk as everyday drinks.
- Watch salt: children need less than adults, so avoid adding salt and limit salty snacks.
- Encourage regular meals and eating together, and be a role model with your own choices.
- Keep treats occasional and avoid using food as a reward.
Good to know. Children under 5 have particular needs — for example whole milk and full-fat dairy for under-2s, and vitamin drops may be recommended for young children. Do not put babies and young children on adult-style low-fat or high-fibre diets. Ask a health visitor or GP if worried about your child’s growth or eating.
Answers
Healthy Eating for Children: frequently asked questions
Should young children eat a low-fat diet?
No. Under-5s, especially under-2s, need more energy-dense foods and full-fat dairy for growth, so adult low-fat, high-fibre diets are not suitable for them. Advice changes as children get older.
How can I get my child to eat more vegetables?
Offer a variety regularly without pressure, eat them yourself as a role model, involve children in choosing and preparing food, and keep offering foods even if refused at first — acceptance often takes many tries.
Related
More on prevention & life stages
Education and reference only. This is general UK health guidance, not personal medical or dietitian advice. If you have a health condition or specific needs, check with your GP, pharmacist or a registered professional before making big changes.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Live Well & Start for Life
- UK Chief Medical Officers’ guidance
- British Dietetic Association (BDA)
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