Beacon Pediatrics Nutrition Statement
What Pediatric Experts Recommend
At Beacon Pediatrics, your child’s health is our priority.
You may see new nutrition messages in the media from federal agencies. While national guidelines are designed for the general population, children are not small adults. Pediatric nutrition recommendations are based on decades of research focused specifically on growth, brain development, and long-term health.
At our practice, we continue to follow AAP guidance, which recommends:
• Whole milk for toddlers ages 12–24 months
• Low-fat (1%) or non-fat milk for most children after age 2
• Emphasis on healthy fats, while limiting excess saturated fat
• Minimizing added sugars and ultra-processed foods
These recommendations are supported by decades of pediatric nutrition research and remain the standard of care. Families are encouraged to discuss individual nutrition needs with their child’s clinician.
Below is what pediatric experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend for children and teens.
🥦 What We Know Supports Healthy Growth
✅ Focus on a Balanced Eating Pattern
Children do best with a diet that includes:
• Fruits and vegetables (variety matters!)
• Whole grains
• Lean protein sources (beans, fish, poultry, eggs)
• Healthy fats in appropriate amounts
This pattern supports healthy growth, brain development, and heart health.
🥛 A Note About Milk & Dietary Fats
You may hear different messages about full-fat dairy and fats. Here’s what pediatric science shows:
For the first six months of life, the guidance calls for infants to consume breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula if breast milk is not available. It is recommended that babies stop receiving infant formula at 12 months of age, at which time they should be given whole milk.
👶 Infants & Toddlers (12–24 months)
• Whole milk is recommended during this stage only
• Fat supports rapid brain development in early toddlerhood
• Low-fat (1%) or non-fat milk is recommended for most children
• This provides essential nutrients (calcium, vitamin D, protein) without excess saturated fat
🔍 Why this matters:
Research shows that high intake of saturated fat in childhood can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels and increased cardiovascular risk over time.
🧠 What Pediatric Experts Agree On About Fats
• Children need healthy fats (from foods like fish, nuts, seeds, avocados, and plant oils)
• Excess saturated fat (from full-fat dairy, butter, fatty red meats) should be limited after age 2
• The goal is balance, not extremes
This approach is supported by the AAP and pediatric nutrition specialists.
🚫 Limit Added Sugars & Ultra-Processed Foods
• Avoid added sugars entirely under age 2
• Limit sugary drinks, sweets, and highly processed snacks
• Choose water as the main beverage for thirst
-Children ages 5-10 years should focus on protein foods, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains, while avoiding caffeinated beverages and added sugars. Water and unsweetened beverages should be chosen to support hydration.
-Adolescents ages 11-18 years enter a rapid growth period with increased needs for energy, protein, calcium and iron. Adequate calcium and vitamin D are vital for peak bone mass. This age group should limit sugary drinks and energy drinks and highly processed foods. We encourage adolescents to participate in food shopping and cooking to learn how to make healthy food choices for life.
💬 Our Bottom Line for Families
✔️ Follow guidance designed specifically for children
✔️ Focus on long-term health, not nutrition trends
✔️ Ask your pediatrician if you’re unsure—individual needs vary
If you have questions about your child’s diet, growth, or milk choices, we’re always happy to talk.
—Your Beacon Pediatric Care Team
