How do you know if a child is healthy?

Your child’s weight should be normal for her age and height, and if it is a desirable ratio you will know that your child is on a healthy track and is getting enough nutrients. If your child is alert this is an indication that nutrition is optimal and that nutrients are being absorbed properly. Active– Desiring play and being active for at least a quarter of an hour multiple times during the day indicates good health. A secure learner – If your child learns quickly, it shows that he or she is getting enough nutrients for brain development. Healthy kids are willing to eat multiple food groups, but kids are often distracted by the bright and colourful things and animated faces around them. Strong, clean teeth – Teeth that are solid and clean reveal that your child’s nutrition and natural dental hygiene are fine. Correct posture– Correct posture suggests self-esteem as well as a sufficient diet, as it means there are enough nutrients to strengthen bones and the musculoskeletal system. Robust muscles and bones– If your child is strong and is seldom injured by tumbles, this suggests that child development is progressing smoothly. Frequent bowel movements– You know your child is getting enough fibre when she or he produces bowel movements regularly. It also suggests a healthy immune system.

Kids need to get enough calories to learn and develop well. Doctors measure a child's weight, length, and head circumference at each well-child checkup and put the results on a growth chart. Children may have failure to thrive if they weigh less than most kids their age or aren't gaining weight as quickly as they should. In general, kids who fail to thrive are not getting enough calories to grow and gain weight in a healthy way. When kids can't gain weight, they also often may not grow as tall as they should. So kids with failure to thrive might start to walk and talk later than other kids, and can have trouble learning in school. A dietitian or other health care professional also may track the calories in a child's diet to make sure the child is getting enough.