Abstract
<jats:p>Paediatric dietetics is a medical specialty. This chapter gives a brief overview of training to become a paediatric dietitian, working as a paediatric dietitian in the acute and community settings, in addition to the principles of growth monitoring and nutritional assessment in infants and children. Tracking weight, height and head circumference on growth charts helps determine whether a child is developing normally. Skinfold thickness measurements are useful in determining if changes in weight are due to increase in fat mass or lean muscle mass. Body mass index is a useful indicator of body composition in children starting at age 2, when height can be measured accurately. Methods for assessing dietary intake in children include 24 ‐hour recall, food frequency questionnaires, dietary history, food diaries and weighed food intake. The chapter also provides a list of fluid and protein requirements for infants and children.</jats:p>