is your lil' eater growing enough?

If your child is a picky eater, you probably have concerns about your child getting enough nutrients to grow "normally." The range of growth for children between the ages of 2 and 5 is about 2 1/2 inches taller and gains 4 to 5 pounds each year. This is just a guideline and you should take your child to the doctor regularly to be sure their rate of growth is healthy.
Growth is a pretty good indicator of good health and nutrition. These are some factors that influence growth:

• Family History: Tall parents tend to have tall children. Short parents tend to have short children 
• Sex: Preschool boys tend to be taller than preschool girls. Boys and girls tend to have similar weights until puberty
• Sleep: Preschoolers need 11-14 hours of sleep a day, including naps and nighttime sleep
• Health Status: Chronic illness or other special needs in children can also affect growth. Children who are sick often or have special needs should be closely monitored by their doctor. 

USDA-ChooseMyPlate.gov