Shafter Press in Shafter, California

Appetite patterns from infancy to teen years stressing nutrition

Pediatric nurses note that most infants have strong appetites until about 18 months, then growth spurts change hunger. Parents should avoid forcing meals, offer nutritious foods, and provide small, frequent portions. As children grow into teens, meals may be skipped, so access to healthy snacks like fruit, cheese, yogurt, eggs, milk, and vegetables is encouraged.