Paediatric Nutrition Support for Children - Sage Dietitians
Parents want their children to feel confident, nourished and supported as they grow, yet feeding children can be surprisingly complex. At Sage Dietitians, we can help families with everything from starting solids and fussy eating to supporting neurodivergent children and helping teenagers build lifelong nutrition skills.
This article explains when dietetic support can help, what a paediatric dietitian does and how professional guidance can make a real difference to your child's wellbeing.
Why See a Dietitian for Your Child? Paediatric nutrition support
A dietitian can support children and families with nutrition, feeding behaviours and growth. You may benefit from seeing one if your child:
is starting solids and you want guidance on what, when and how
shows signs of fussy eating or limited food variety
has suspected or diagnosed nutrient deficiencies
experiences sensory or behavioural feeding differences
has a medical condition affecting appetite, digestion or growth
is entering adolescence and needs support with changing nutrition needs
is preparing for more independence, such as working, driving or socialising
Dietitians provide personalised, evidence-based care that supports healthy growth and reduces stress around feeding.
1. Starting Solids: Introducing First Foods
Introducing solids is an exciting milestone. It can also feel overwhelming when advice varies or when you are unsure what readiness looks like.
Signs your baby is ready
Australian guidelines recommend introducing solid foods at around 6 months, and not before 4 months, once your baby is showing signs of readiness (1,2). These include sitting upright with support, good head and neck control and showing interest in food. Breastmilk or infant formula remains your baby's main source of nutrition while they learn to eat (1).
What to introduce and when?
Iron-rich foods are recommended from around 6 months, because a baby's iron stores start to run down at this age (1). Good first foods include meat, fish, eggs, legumes, tofu and iron-fortified infant cereal. There is no set order for other foods, so you can then offer a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy foods (1). Dietitians help families tailor food introduction to their baby's developmental stage, cultural preferences and feeding confidence, and support responsive feeding, which means watching for your baby's hunger and fullness cues rather than pressuring them to eat.
Introducing allergens safely
Australian guidelines recommend giving all babies common allergy-causing foods, including peanut butter and well-cooked egg, during the first year of life, regardless of their allergy risk (2,3). Use smooth peanut butter or peanut paste rather than whole nuts, which are a choking hazard, and keep offering these foods regularly once your baby has tried them without a reaction. If your baby has severe eczema or has already reacted to a food, speak with your GP or an allergy specialist before introducing allergens at home. Dietitians provide step-by-step guidance and support families who have concerns or a history of allergic reactions.
Why professional support matters
Feeding difficulties can emerge early, paediatric nutrition support can help take away some of the guesswork. A dietitian can help you work out whether what you are seeing is a normal part of learning to eat or whether your baby needs extra support.
2. Fussy Eating in Children
Fussy eating is common, with feeding difficulties estimated to affect around 25 to 45% of typically developing children (4). When food refusal, limited variety or mealtime stress persists, it can affect growth, nutrient intake and family wellbeing.
Evidence-based strategies dietitians use
Gentle, repeated exposure to new foods
Sensory-based approaches
Predictable mealtime routines
Family-style meals and positive modelling
Reducing pressure and supporting autonomy
Reviews show that repeated exposure to a food and positive modelling by others are well-supported ways to increase vegetable intake in children aged 2 to 5 years (5).
Feeding difficulties exist on a spectrum and often involve a mix of medical, nutritional, feeding skill and psychosocial factors (4,6). Frameworks such as FEEDSETUP, a recently published proposal, help clinicians identify underlying causes and match the intensity of care to each child's needs (4).
Addressing nutrient deficiencies
Dietitians assess dietary intake, review blood tests and identify gaps in nutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium and fibre. They support families with food-first strategies, and with supplements when appropriate.
3. Feeding Differences in Neurodivergent Children
Neurodivergent children, including those with autism, ADHD or sensory processing differences, may experience unique feeding challenges such as food rigidity, sensory sensitivities or limited variety.
A meta-analysis of 17 studies found that children with autism had around five times the odds of feeding problems compared with their peers, along with lower intakes of calcium and protein (7). A comparative study found that children with autism ate fewer foods overall, particularly fruits, vegetables and protein foods, and were more likely to miss some nutrient targets, even though their energy intake and growth did not differ from their peers (8). Together, these findings show why tailored nutrition support that considers sensory needs, behaviour patterns and family routines can help.
At Sage Dietitians, we provide:
Sensory-aware feeding strategies
Gradual food variety expansion
Collaboration with occupational therapists and psychologists
Neuroaffirming care that respects each child's preferences and needs
4. Adolescent Nutrition
Teenagers experience rapid growth, hormonal changes and increasing independence, and these changes have implications for their health now and in the future (11). Their nutritional needs shift significantly, especially if they are active or have changing food preferences. Australian nutrient reference values set different requirements by age and sex, and these rise during adolescence (10).
National survey data show that many Australians, particularly females, do not meet their calcium and iron requirements from food (9). Skipped meals, busy schedules and restrictive eating patterns can make gaps more likely.
Dietitians help adolescents understand:
Their increased energy and protein needs
The importance of iron, calcium and vitamin D
How to build balanced meals at school, work or social outings
How to navigate body image pressures with evidence-based, weight-neutral guidance
Early support helps teens build confidence and long-term healthy habits.
5. Preparing Teens for Independence
As teenagers begin working, driving and spending more time with friends, they make more of their own food choices. Dietitians support families by teaching practical skills such as:
Budgeting for food
Understanding how to plan meals, compare prices and choose nourishing foods on a budget.
Cooking skills
Building confidence with simple recipes, safe food handling and meal planning.
Smart shopping
Learning how to read labels, choose balanced options and spot marketing traps. The Australian Dietary Guidelines are a useful starting point for what a balanced eating pattern looks like (12).
Preparing to leave home
Dietitians help families create a nutrition toolkit for young adults, including:
Basic pantry staples
Quick, balanced meal ideas
Strategies for eating well during study, work or travel
Ways to maintain energy, mood and wellbeing
These skills empower teens to make informed choices and feel confident as they move into adulthood.
The Role of a Paediatric Dietitian
Paediatric dietitians provide far more than meal plans. They offer personalised, evidence-based support that helps families feel calm, confident and informed, whether your child is starting solids, struggling with feeding, navigating neurodivergence or entering adolescence. When choosing a dietitian in Australia, look for the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential.
If you are unsure whether your child's eating patterns, growth or nutrition needs are on track, booking an appointment can give you clarity and reassurance.
Ready to Support Your Family?
At Sage Dietitians, we offer warm, personalised paediatric nutrition care for babies, children and teenagers across Australia, including families in rural and regional areas through telehealth and in-person on Fridays at our Mornington clinic.
If you would like support with feeding, growth or nutrition, we are here to help. Book an appointment with Sage Dietitians today and feel confident in your child's nutrition journey.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start my baby on solids?
Australian guidelines recommend starting solids at around 6 months, and not before 4 months, when your baby is showing signs of readiness such as sitting upright with support, good head and neck control and interest in food (1,2).
What are the best first foods for babies?
Iron-rich foods are recommended first, including meat, fish, eggs, legumes, tofu and iron-fortified infant cereal. After that, there is no set order, so you can offer a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy foods (1).
When should I introduce peanut and egg?
During the first year of life, alongside other solid foods, for all babies regardless of allergy risk (2,3). If your baby has severe eczema or has already reacted to a food, speak with your GP or an allergy specialist first.
Is fussy eating normal, and when should I see a dietitian?
Fussy eating is common and often passes (4). Consider seeing a paediatric dietitian if food refusal or limited variety is persistent, if mealtimes are stressful for your family, if you are worried about growth or if you suspect a nutrient deficiency.
Can a dietitian help my neurodivergent child with eating?
Yes. Feeding challenges such as food rigidity and sensory sensitivities are more common in children with autism (7), and a dietitian can offer sensory-aware strategies and gradual food variety expansion. They can also work alongside your child's occupational therapist or psychologist.
How can a dietitian help my teenager?
Teenagers have changing nutrition needs, and many Australians do not meet their calcium and iron requirements from food (9). A dietitian can help your teen build balanced meals, navigate body image pressures with weight-neutral guidance and develop practical skills such as budgeting, cooking and shopping.
What happens at a first appointment?
A dietitian will usually look at your child's eating patterns, growth and medical history, ask about your family's routines and preferences, and agree on practical, personalised goals with you.
Can we see a paediatric dietitian online?
Yes. Sage Dietitians offers telehealth appointments for babies, children and teenagers across Australia, including families in rural and regional areas.
References
National Health and Medical Research Council. Infant feeding guidelines: information for health workers. Canberra: NHMRC; 2012. Available from: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au
Joshi PA, Smith J, Vale S, Campbell DE. The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy infant feeding for allergy prevention guidelines. Med J Aust. 2019;210(2):89-93. doi:10.5694/mja2.12102
Netting MJ, Campbell DE, Koplin JJ, et al. An Australian consensus on infant feeding guidelines to prevent food allergy: outcomes from the Australian Infant Feeding Summit. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2017;5(6):1617-1624.
Fisberg M, Nogueira-de-Almeida CA, Konstantyner T. FEEDSETUP: feeding difficulties spectrum evaluation and treatment up-to-date proposal. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jped.2026.101610
Holley CE, Farrow C, Haycraft E. A systematic review of methods for increasing vegetable consumption in early childhood. Curr Nutr Rep. 2017;6(2):157-170. doi:10.1007/s13668-017-0202-1
Goday PS, Huh SY, Silverman A, et al. Pediatric feeding disorder: consensus definition and conceptual framework. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2019;68(1):124-129. doi:10.1097/MPG.0000000000002188
Sharp WG, Berry RC, McCracken C, et al. Feeding problems and nutrient intake in children with autism spectrum disorders: a meta-analysis and comprehensive review of the literature. J Autism Dev Disord. 2013;43(9):2159-2173. doi:10.1007/s10803-013-1771-5
Malhi P, Venkatesh L, Bharti B, Singhi P. Feeding problems and nutrient intake in children with and without autism: a comparative study. Indian J Pediatr. 2017;84(4):283-288.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Health Survey: usual nutrient intakes, 2011-12 (cat. no. 4364.0.55.008). Canberra: ABS. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/food-and-nutrition/usual-nutrient-intakes/2011-12
National Health and Medical Research Council. Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand including recommended dietary intakes. Canberra: NHMRC; 2006. Available from: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au
Patton GC, Sawyer SM, Santelli JS, et al. Our future: a Lancet Commission on adolescent health and wellbeing. Lancet. 2016;387(10036):2423-2478. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00579-1
National Health and Medical Research Council. Australian Dietary Guidelines. Canberra: NHMRC; 2013. Available from: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/adg
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