Navigating Nutrition and Screen Time for a Growing Child

Introduction

As spring arrives in Marietta, GA, families get ready for summer fun. For caring parents, building healthy habits for their growing children is very important. At Bear Care Pediatrics, Dr. Maren Bear leads our team in staying updated on the latest pediatric care. We want to give parents useful information.

In 2025, two big topics in pediatric healthcare are nutrition for growth and the effects of screen time on kids’ health. What children eat and how they spend their time are key to their physical, mental, and emotional growth. With rising childhood obesity rates and more screen time, parents need proven strategies now more than ever.

In this guide, we will look at the latest research, expert advice, and practical tips to help your child grow strong and healthy. We will cover issues like weight gain in toddlers and setting healthy limits on screen time. This resource will help you make smart choices about your child’s health in today’s world.

Part 1: Nutrition Fundamentals for Growing Children

Understanding Growth Patterns and Nutritional Needs

Children grow at different rates, with periods of rapid development followed by plateaus. Most children triple their birth weight by their first birthday. They also grow about 10 inches in length, according to the CDC. By age two, most children reach about half their adult height.

These growth patterns require specific nutritional support, with caloric needs varying significantly based on age, activity level, and individual metabolism. For example:

• Infants (0-12 months): 35-50 calories per pound of body weight daily
• Toddlers (1-3 years): 37-41 calories per pound of body weight daily
• Preschoolers (4-5 years): 36-38 calories per pound of body weight daily

Beyond calories, the quality and diversity of nutrients matter significantly. Essential nutrients for optimal childhood development include:

• Protein: Critical for tissue growth and repair, immune function, and enzyme production
• Calcium: Vital for bone development and density
• Iron: Essential for cognitive development and oxygen transport
• Zinc: Important for immune function and wound healing
• Vitamin D: Necessary for calcium absorption and bone health
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Critical for brain development and function

Dr. Bear stresses that we should look at each child’s nutrition needs individually. We need to consider their growth, activity level, and any health issues.

Fueling Growth: Foods to Help Your 1-Year-Old Gain Weight

The transition from infancy to toddlerhood represents a critical period for growth and development. Parents frequently ask, “What foods help a 1-year-old gain weight?” The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says whole cow’s milk is important for toddlers aged 1 to 2.

It provides important nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

The AAP recommends that most toddlers drink 16-24 ounces (2-3 cups) of whole milk each day.

Complementing milk with nutrient-dense foods helps promote healthy weight gain while ensuring balanced nutrition. Ideal options include:

Healthy Fats for Weight Gain

• Avocados: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium
• Nut butters: Provide protein and healthy fats (introduce carefully and watch for allergic reactions)
• Olive oil: Can be drizzled over vegetables or mixed into pasta dishes
• Full-fat yogurt: Offers protein, calcium, and beneficial probiotics
• Cheese: Provides calcium, protein, and calories in a child-friendly form

Protein-Rich Foods

• Eggs: Complete protein source with essential amino acids
• Ground meats: Beef, turkey, and chicken are easily consumed by toddlers
• Fish: Provides omega-3 fatty acids crucial for brain development (choose low-mercury varieties)
• Beans and lentils: Plant-based proteins that also offer fiber and iron
• Tofu: A Versatile protein source that absorbs flavors well

Nutrient-Dense Carbohydrates

• Sweet potatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and natural sweetness
• Whole grain pasta: Higher in nutrients than refined varieties
• Oatmeal: Provides soluble fiber and can be enhanced with fruits and nut butters
• Quinoa: Complete protein source that’s also rich in fiber and minerals

For picky eaters, creative meal solutions can ensure proper nutrition:

• Smoothies: Blend fruits with whole milk or Greek yogurt for added calories and nutrients. Try combinations like banana-strawberry-yogurt or mango-avocado-milk.
• Whole-Grain Pasta: Serve with lean protein like shredded chicken or ground turkey and add grated cheese for extra calories.
• Healthy Fats: Drizzle olive oil over roasted vegetables or incorporate cheese into meals for calorie-dense nutrition.
• Finger Foods: Offer nutrient-dense options like cheese cubes, avocado slices, or small pieces of whole grain toast with nut butter.
• Dips: Make nutritious dips like hummus or yogurt-based sauces that encourage vegetable consumption.

At Bear Care Pediatrics, Dr. Bear creates nutrition plans during well-child visits. These plans meet each child’s unique dietary needs. This personalized approach helps kids grow steadily. It avoids too much sugar and processed foods. Instead, it focuses on nutrient-rich foods rather than empty calories.

Addressing Common Nutritional Challenges

Picky Eating

Nearly 50% of parents report concerns about picky eating behaviors in their toddlers and preschoolers. This common developmental phase typically peaks between the ages of 2-5 years. Dr. Bear recommends these evidence-based strategies:

• Repeated exposure: Research shows children may need to see a new food 10-15 times before accepting it
• Family-style meals: Eating together and modeling healthy eating behaviors improve children’s food acceptance
• Involvement in preparation: Children who help prepare meals are more likely to try new foods
• Avoid food battles: Pressuring children to eat specific foods often backfires, creating negative associations
• Consistent meal and snack schedule: Structured eating times help regulate appetite and reduce grazing

Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Food allergies affect approximately 8% of children in the United States. Current guidelines suggest introducing potential allergens like peanuts, eggs, and dairy early in life. This should start around 4-6 months, unless there is a family history of allergies.

If you believe your child has a food allergy or sensitivity, schedule an appointment at Bear Care Pediatrics. They will provide a proper evaluation.

We can provide guidance on safe introduction methods and, if necessary, refer to pediatric allergists for comprehensive testing.

Part 2: Screen Time Management for Optimal Development

Digital Media Landscape for Children in 2025

In 2025, the digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with immersive technologies, educational apps, and interactive content becoming increasingly sophisticated and accessible to children. While these tools offer unprecedented learning opportunities, they also present significant challenges for parents navigating healthy boundaries.

Recent surveys show that children’s daily screen time has gone up since the pandemic. Kids ages 5-8 now spend about 3.5 hours a day on screens, not counting educational use. This is a large part of their waking hours. They could use this time for physical activity, social interaction, or creative play.

Why Is Screen Time Bad for Kids? Unpacking the Risks

As digital devices become even more integrated into daily life, many parents wonder, “Why are screens bad for kids?” The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains age-based recommendations:

• No screen time for children under 18 months (except video chatting with family)
• Limited, high-quality screen time (under one hour per day) for ages 2-5, with co-viewing strongly encouraged
• Consistent limits on screen time for children 6 and older, prioritizing adequate sleep, physical activity, and other healthy behaviors

Research continues to identify several potential risks associated with excessive or inappropriate screen use:

Developmental Concerns

• Language development: Studies suggest that excessive screen time correlates with delayed language acquisition in young children
• Attention skills: Frequent exposure to fast-paced media may contribute to attention difficulties
• Social-emotional learning: Screen time often replaces face-to-face interactions, critical for emotional intelligence development
• Sleep disruption: Blue light exposure can interfere with melatonin production and sleep quality

Physical Health Impacts

• Sedentary behavior: Screen time typically reduces physical activity, contributing to obesity risk
• Vision concerns: Prolonged near work on screens is associated with increasing rates of myopia in children
• Poor posture: Extended device use can lead to neck strain and musculoskeletal issues

A temperature of 96.5°F in a toddler may show mild discomfort. However, too much screen time can increase fussiness and sleep problems. This can make small issues feel worse. The overstimulation from screens can heighten irritability and make it difficult for parents to accurately assess their child’s symptoms.

Research consistently highlights that interactive play, not passive screen exposure, fosters optimal cognitive and social growth. The brain develops a lot in early childhood. This growth depends on three-dimensional experiences, sensory exploration, and human interaction. None of these can be fully replaced by digital media.

Creating a Balanced Approach to Technology

At Bear Care Pediatrics, we do not support getting rid of technology completely. Instead, we believe in using it wisely to help children grow. Consider these balanced approaches:

Age-Appropriate Screen Time Guidelines

• Under 18 months: Limit to video chatting with family members
• 18-24 months: If introducing media, choose high-quality content and always co-view
• 2-5 years: Limit to 1 hour per day of carefully selected programming, with co-viewing
• 6-12 years: Place consistent limits and ensure media doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, and other healthy behaviors
• Teens: Involve them in creating media plans that include clear boundaries on content and time

Quality Over Quantity

Not all screen time has equal impact. Consider these distinctions:

• Passive consumption: Watching videos or scrolling through content (lowest educational value)
• Interactive engagement: Playing educational games or using creative apps (moderate value)
• Content creation: Using devices to make art, music, or stories (higher value)
• Communication: Video chatting with family or friends (social-emotional value)

We encourage “unplugged playtime” to boost creativity. For older kids, we suggest co-viewing to make screen time educational and fun. By watching together, you can help your child learn, talk about what they see, and build your relationship.

Creating a Family Media Plan

Dr. Bear recommends that all families create a personalized Family Media Plan (available on the AAP website) that addresses:

• Screen-free zones: Designate areas in your home where devices are not permitted
• Screen-free times: Establish tech-free mealtimes, bedtimes, and family activities
• Device curfews: Set times when devices must be turned off or placed in a charging station
• Content guidelines: Define what types of content are appropriate for your child
• Digital citizenship: Teach responsible online behavior and safety practices

Wondering about your child’s screen habits? A pediatric telehealth visit with Dr. Bear can provide tailored guidance for your family’s specific situation and needs.