Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children & Adolescents

(Endorsed National Health and Medical Research Council June 1995).

1. Encourage and support breastfeeding.
2. Children need appropriate food and physical activity to grow and develop normally. Growth should be checked regularly.
3. Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods.
4. Eat plenty of breads, cereals, vegetables (including legumes) and fruits.
5. Low fat diets are not suitable for young children. For older children, a diet low in fat and in particular, low in saturated fat, is appropriate.
6. Encourage water as a drink. Alcohol is not recommended for children.
7. Eat only a moderate amount of sugars and foods containing added sugars.
8. Choose low salt foods.

Guidelines on specific nutrients

1. Eat foods containing calcium
2. Eat foods containing iron.

Download the full report (PDF) of the Dietary guidelines for children and adolescents. National Health and Medical Research Council.