Guidelines on children calorie needs tend to vary. American diet guidelines suggest higher calorie intakes for children than European guidelines. Both are therefore included in the calorie tables below. Most pediatric dietitians and nutritionists agree that a balanced diet, containing foods from all main food groups, which contains enough energy to maintain a healthy weight, should meet all the energy requirements of healthy children. So counting calories is not really necessary. However, for reference purposes, here are the basic guidelines for children calorie needs.
US Guidelines: Average Calorie Needs For Children
| Age of Child |
Average Calorie Needs Each Day |
| 0-5 months |
650 calories |
| 5-12 months |
850 |
| 1-3 years |
1300 |
| 4-6 years |
1800 |
| 7-10 years |
2000 |
Guidelines: Calorie Needs For Children
| Age of Girl |
Average Calorie Needs Each Day |
| 1-3 years |
1165 calories |
| 4-6 years |
1545 |
| 7-10 years |
1740 |
| Age of Boy |
Average Calorie Needs Each Day |
| 1-3 years |
1230 calories |
| 4-6 years |
1715 |
| 7-10 years |
1970 |
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