Children & Families
Nutrition Support for Healthy Growth, Development & Family Mealtimes
At Appetite for Nutrition, we proudly support individuals, families, and communities across Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales, as well as Australia-wide via Telehealth.
How We Support Children & Families
Our paediatric-trained dietitians provide evidence-based care to help children thrive and reduce mealtime stress for families. We make nutrition practical and achievable for everyday life.
✅ Fussy eating & feeding difficulties (including feeding therapy)
✅ Growth & weight concerns
✅ Allergies & intolerances
✅ Chronic conditions & disability support
✅ Family meal planning
Looking for more help with feeding therapy?
Our dietitians provide gentle, evidence-based feeding therapy to support children with fussy eating, sensory food aversions, and limited diets. Learn more about how we make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable on our Feeding Therapy page.
Why Nutrition Matters
Nutrition is especially important in childhood, when growth and development place higher demands on the body. Children need the right balance of nutrients to support brain development, learning, behaviour, and physical growth. Key nutrients include iron (for energy and cognition), calcium and vitamin D (for strong bones and teeth), and fibre (for healthy digestion).
🧒 1 in 4 Australian children are above a healthy weight (AIHW), increasing their risk of chronic disease later in life.
🍎 Only 6% of children eat enough vegetables each day (ABS).
🧠 Nutrition is linked to mental health and behaviour — studies like the SMILES trial show that balanced diets can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Without the right nutrition, children may face:
Fussy eating and limited food variety
Growth and developmental delays
Poor concentration and learning outcomes
Higher risk of chronic conditions in later life
How Our Dietitians Can Help Your Family
Every family is unique. Our paediatric-trained dietitians provide tailored advice and practical support to help children eat well, grow strong, and make mealtimes easier. Click below to see how we can support you.
Every child is different. Our dietitians take the time to understand your child’s health, eating habits, and family routines to create a tailored plan that works in real life — not just on paper.
Our dietitians are trained in feeding therapy and provide step-by-step, evidence-based strategies to make mealtimes calmer and more positive. We use gradual food exposure, sensory-based approaches, and realistic routines to encourage children to try new foods without pressure.
Whether it’s picky eating, navigating food allergies, or managing conditions such as coeliac disease, diabetes, or gastrointestinal issues, we’ll guide you with safe, evidence-based approaches that keep nutrition on track.
We work with families of children living with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and other disabilities, providing strategies that respect sensory needs, routines, and developmental goals.
Appointments are available in-person across Victoria and Queensland, or via telehealth anywhere in Australia. This means families can choose the setting that works best for their needs and routines.
The Benefits of Nutrition Support
Our dietitians don’t just give advice — we partner with families to make nutrition practical and achievable. Here’s how we support you:
Healthy Growth & Development
Tailored nutrition helps children reach growth milestones, build strong bones and teeth, and support healthy brain development.
Better Learning & Behaviour
Balanced diets improve concentration, mood, and behaviour — supporting school performance and emotional wellbeing.
Variety & Confidence with Food
Dietitian support reduces mealtime stress, expands food variety, and builds positive relationships with food, including for fussy eaters.
Prevention of Future Health Issues
Good nutrition lowers the risk of obesity, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic conditions later in life.
How Our Services Be Funded
Many families can access our dietitian services through government or private funding options. Depending on your situation, this may include:
- Medicare (Chronic Disease Management plans)
- NDIS (self, plan, or NDIA-managed)
- Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA)
- My Aged Care/Home Care Package
- Private Health Insurance (dietitian rebates available)
- WorkSafe, TAC or DVA (for eligible clients)
Frequency Asked Questions
At Appetite for Nutrition, we understand that feeding children isn’t always simple — from fussy eating to allergies and growth concerns, families often need practical, compassionate guidance. Our paediatric-trained Accredited Practising Dietitians provide evidence-based nutrition support for children and families across Australia. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions parents ask about helping kids eat well, grow strong, and enjoy mealtimes again.
A paediatric dietitian specialises in child growth, nutrition, and feeding development. We assess your child’s dietary intake, growth patterns, and nutritional needs to provide a personalised plan that supports healthy development, learning, and wellbeing. Our approach focuses on making nutrition practical, enjoyable, and sustainable for your whole family.
We support a wide range of childhood nutrition concerns, including:
Fussy eating and feeding difficulties (including feeding therapy)
Growth and weight management (underweight or above a healthy weight)
Food allergies and intolerances
Chronic conditions or disability support (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD)
Family meal planning and balanced eating
Our goal is to help children build confidence with food while reducing stress at mealtimes.
We use responsive feeding strategies that promote positive mealtime experiences. This includes step-by-step exposure to new foods, sensory-based approaches, and practical routines to reduce pressure and anxiety. Over time, children learn to explore new tastes and textures at their own pace — leading to greater food acceptance and variety.
Yes. Our dietitians provide tailored guidance for allergies, intolerances, and special diets, including coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, and multiple food allergies. We ensure your child’s diet remains safe, balanced, and nutrient-rich, while helping families manage substitutions, label reading, and meal planning.
Nutrition plays a key role in cognition, concentration, and emotional regulation. Diets rich in iron, omega-3 fats, B vitamins, and whole foods support brain development and stable energy. Research such as the SMILES trial shows that balanced diets can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving focus and overall wellbeing.
Yes. We provide specialised nutrition care for children with disabilities or neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and sensory processing difficulties. Our approach supports feeding challenges, restricted diets, and nutrient deficiencies, while respecting each child’s sensory preferences and communication style.
Absolutely. We monitor growth charts, nutrient intake, and overall health to identify gaps or concerns. Whether your child needs support to gain weight, manage overweight, or maintain steady growth, we provide gentle, evidence-based strategies that promote lifelong healthy habits without restriction or stigma.
Before your appointment, gather information such as:
A 7-day food diary (what your child typically eats)
Growth and medical history (if available)
Any previous allergy tests or specialist reports
This helps us tailor recommendations from the first session. Appointments can be held in clinic, via telehealth, or through home visits in select areas.
Yes. Many families can access rebates or funding through:
Medicare (Chronic Disease Management plans)
NDIS (self-, plan-, or NDIA-managed)
Private Health Insurance
WorkSafe, TAC, DVA, and other government programs
Our team can help you understand which funding options apply to your situation.
It’s easy to begin. You can book an appointment online, request a telehealth session, or submit a referral form. Our paediatric-trained dietitians will discuss your child’s needs, develop a personalised care plan, and provide ongoing support to help your family achieve a healthy, happy relationship with food.
Contact us today to begin your journey towards a better you
Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthier, more independent life. Whether you are managing a chronic condition, overcoming dietary challenges, or simply striving for better health, we are here to help.