Book your Paediatric Dietitian appointment
1:1 consultation with a Paediatric dietitian specialist. We can see you online over video or in person.
If you are concerned with your child’s weight, or a food allergy or intolerance, nutrient needs, a gastrointestinal complaint, or if your child a picky/ fussy eater, our child nutritionist can help!
Each initial consultation is 1 hour, during this time, we will give you advice, and guidance so you know where to start and feel more confident immediately. We will also provide a plan of action, a written recommendation report and a bespoke meal guide if needed to make sure you reach your health goals efficiently.
Meet Our Leading Team of Children's Dietitians
Alicia specialises in fussy eating, ASD, ADHD, childhood obesity, food allergies & intolerances, constipation and introduction to solids.
Isabella is a UK Leading Sports Dietitian for kids, teenagers (and adults), and member of SENr, which is the highest level of recognition for sports dietitian/nutritionists.
How can our child nutritionist help your child?
Childhood obesity is increasing. This exposes children to an increased risk of certain diseases later in life including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and respiratory problems. Eating a healthy balanced diet during childhood is of utmost importance to prevent any lifestyle diseases later on in life.
It is important to note that weight management for children should be approached with sensitivity, and the approach is very different from an adult. Emphasising intuitive eating, food environment, balanced meals, and overall health is crucial rather than solely focusing on weight loss. We can provide guidance on healthy weight goals and help create a positive body image in children.
When you’ve got a fussy eater to deal with, it’s easy to get into battle after battle at mealtimes, and you may feel frustrated when your little one simply refuses to eat certain foods. Rest assured, most children go through a phase of fussy eating so you are not alone! The way that we deal with the situation impacts our toddlers' eating habits. Around 90% of children go through at least one phase of fussy eating.
A dietitian will help you so that you can see positive results!
Cow’s milk protein allergy
Cow’s milk protein allergy is increasing in the United Kingdom. There are two forms of cow’s milk protein allergy: IgE (which is immediate reaction after exposure) and Non-IgE (delayed reaction after exposure). Depending on the type of cow’s milk protein allergy, which will be discussed during the consultation, the treatment and steps differ. Children may outgrow a mild cow’s milk protein allergy, however those with severe allergies will need to eliminate cow’s milk protein from their diet. This puts them at risk of calcium, Vitamin D and iron deficiencies so an comprehensive assessment is necessary. A specialised prescription formula is needed when there is a cow’s milk protein allergy in infants.
Our sports nutritionist for kids can help your child or teenager optimise their nutrition for optimal sports performance and recovery.
Our children’s sports dietitian will develop a tailored meal guide and make sure your child keeps a positive relationship with food.
To meet the needs of growth, children have higher energy and nutrient requirements for their body size compared to adults. It is important that they consume food that will provide adequate energy and nutrients for their needs.
Growth faltering is usually caused by undernutrition and tends to be due to many factors including dietary deficiencies or insufficient feeding.
Our dietitian will help you evaluate if your child is ready to eat solid foods and create a tailored and step by step food introduction plan, and address common feeding challenges. This will ensure a smooth introduction while making sure that your baby gets all the nutrients needed.
Having an infant that is experiencing reflux (excessive vomiting) can be an extremely stressful period to go through. Often due to the reflux, an infant may not be meeting all their nutritional requirements, whether they are being breast fed or formula fed. Therefore, it is important that an assessment is to done , to ensure that there is adequate growth and nutrient absorption.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, following an ADHD nutrition plan rich in proteins and vitamins can help control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. If you suspect a food sensitivity may be contributing to your child’s ADHD symptoms, it is necessary to seek help from a registered paediatric dietitian.
- Autism (ASD)
Children with autism experience severe sensory sensitivities when it comes to eating. This could range from smell, texture, appearance and taste. Often children with autism are extremely selective eaters, and therefore making sure you have the necessary tools and techniques when it comes to feeding as well as ensuring that they are still meeting their nutritional requirements and growth is important.
Children often suffer from constipation, due to various factors, which include infant formula, low fibre intake, sedentary behaviour and not using the toilet at school, to name a few. Diet can have a direct influence on constipation and can relieve constipation entirely. Chronic use of laxatives is not recommended and a dietary approach is the first line of treatment when it comes to constipation in children.
Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, leading to intestinal inflammation, villous atrophy, and malabsorption. A multi-disciplinary approach is needed, in which after the diagnosis of coeliac disease and specific tests are done, a strict lifelong gluten-free diet is needed. In the UK , those that have a confirmed diagnosis are allowed to have specific gluten-free products prescribed. Furthermore , those that are on a gluten-free diet are often at risk of certain nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to seek help from a paediatric dietitian to minimise the risk of deficiency and ensure adequate growth as well as to obtain education and knowledge on how to follow the correct diet. Accidental exposure to gluten can aggravate symptoms and be detrimental to health. Our paediatric dietitians will be able to give you clear guidelines on which foods you should incorporate into your child’s diet to minimise nutritional deficiencies.
The most common causes of iron deficiency in children include insufficient intake of iron rich food sources together with rapid growth, low birth weight and gastrointestinal losses. Certain food combinations can directly enhance or inhibit iron absorption. Iron deficiency anaemia is first confirmed through a blood test, supplementation may be necessary as well as dietary adjustments.
There is often confusion when it comes to introducing solid foods, and at what age. Ensuring your child is meeting all of their nutritional requirements is important and therefore receiving adequate guidance when it comes to what type of foods and in what quantities is vital to ensure adequate growth and development, and if any supplementation is necessary.
Infants who are born premature may need specialised high energy formulas/ breast milk fortification as they have increased nutritional requirements to allow for catch-up growth. Therefore, careful consideration and guidelines have to be followed.
Childhood obesity is increasing. This exposes children to an increased risk of certain diseases later in life including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and respiratory problems. Eating a healthy balanced diet during childhood is of utmost importance to prevent any lifestyle diseases later on in life.
It is important to note that weight management for children should be approached with sensitivity, and the approach is very different from an adult. Emphasising intuitive eating, food environment, balanced meals, and overall health is crucial rather than solely focusing on weight loss. We can provide guidance on healthy weight goals and help create a positive body image in children.
When you’ve got a fussy eater to deal with, it’s easy to get into battle after battle at mealtimes, and you may feel frustrated when your little one simply refuses to eat certain foods. Rest assured, most children go through a phase of fussy eating so you are not alone! The way that we deal with the situation impacts our toddlers’ eating habits. Around 90% of children go through at least one phase of fussy eating.
A dietitian will help you so that you can see positive results!
Cow’s milk protein allergy
Cow’s milk protein allergy is increasing in the United Kingdom. There are two forms of cow’s milk protein allergy: IgE (which is immediate reaction after exposure) and Non-IgE (delayed reaction after exposure). Depending on the type of cow’s milk protein allergy, which will be discussed during the consultation, the treatment and steps differ. Children may outgrow a mild cow’s milk protein allergy, however those with severe allergies will need to eliminate cow’s milk protein from their diet. This puts them at risk of calcium, Vitamin D and iron deficiencies so an comprehensive assessment is necessary. A specialised prescription formula is needed when there is a cow’s milk protein allergy in infants.
Our sports nutritionist for kids can help your child or teenager optimise their nutrition for optimal sports performance and recovery.
Our children’s sports dietitian will develop a tailored meal guide and make sure your child keeps a positive relationship with food.
To meet the needs of growth, children have higher energy and nutrient requirements for their body size compared to adults. It is important that they consume food that will provide adequate energy and nutrients for their needs.
Growth faltering is usually caused by undernutrition and tends to be due to many factors including dietary deficiencies or insufficient feeding.
Our dietitian will help you evaluate if your child is ready to eat solid foods and create a tailored and step by step food introduction plan, and address common feeding challenges. This will ensure a smooth introduction while making sure that your baby gets all the nutrients needed.
Having an infant that is experiencing reflux (excessive vomiting) can be an extremely stressful period to go through. Often due to the reflux, an infant may not be meeting all their nutritional requirements, whether they are being breast fed or formula fed. Therefore, it is important that an assessment is to done , to ensure that there is adequate growth and nutrient absorption.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, following an ADHD nutrition plan rich in proteins and vitamins can help control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. If you suspect a food sensitivity may be contributing to your child’s ADHD symptoms, it is necessary to seek help from a registered paediatric dietitian.
- Autism (ASD)
Children with autism experience severe sensory sensitivities when it comes to eating. This could range from smell, texture, appearance and taste. Often children with autism are extremely selective eaters, and therefore making sure you have the necessary tools and techniques when it comes to feeding as well as ensuring that they are still meeting their nutritional requirements and growth is important.
Children often suffer from constipation, due to various factors, which include infant formula, low fibre intake, sedentary behaviour and not using the toilet at school, to name a few. Diet can have a direct influence on constipation and can relieve constipation entirely. Chronic use of laxatives is not recommended and a dietary approach is the first line of treatment when it comes to constipation in children.
Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, leading to intestinal inflammation, villous atrophy, and malabsorption. A multi-disciplinary approach is needed, in which after the diagnosis of coeliac disease and specific tests are done, a strict lifelong gluten-free diet is needed. In the UK , those that have a confirmed diagnosis are allowed to have specific gluten-free products prescribed. Furthermore , those that are on a gluten-free diet are often at risk of certain nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to seek help from a paediatric dietitian to minimise the risk of deficiency and ensure adequate growth as well as to obtain education and knowledge on how to follow the correct diet. Accidental exposure to gluten can aggravate symptoms and be detrimental to health. Our paediatric dietitians will be able to give you clear guidelines on which foods you should incorporate into your child’s diet to minimise nutritional deficiencies.
The most common causes of iron deficiency in children include insufficient intake of iron rich food sources together with rapid growth, low birth weight and gastrointestinal losses. Certain food combinations can directly enhance or inhibit iron absorption. Iron deficiency anaemia is first confirmed through a blood test, supplementation may be necessary as well as dietary adjustments.
There is often confusion when it comes to introducing solid foods, and at what age. Ensuring your child is meeting all of their nutritional requirements is important and therefore receiving adequate guidance when it comes to what type of foods and in what quantities is vital to ensure adequate growth and development, and if any supplementation is necessary.
Infants who are born premature may need specialised high energy formulas/ breast milk fortification as they have increased nutritional requirements to allow for catch-up growth. Therefore, careful consideration and guidelines have to be followed.
Testimonials
What are paediatric dietitians?
A paediatric dietitian is a registered dietitian who specialises in children’s nutrition to help with a food allergy and intolerance, obesity, restrictive diets, fussy eating, gut health, faltering growth and malnutrition, special needs, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
A kids dietitian usually treats children from birth to 18 years of age.
What does a paediatric dietitian do?
As our client, we want you to have all the necessary tools to better manage your child’s wellness and health. That’s why a child dietitian will work closely with you and your child to teach you and them the best diet for their needs. Depending on what you need help with, these are a number of examples of what we do:
Assessing Nutritional Needs
Our child nutritionist will evaluate your child’s nutritional requirements based on their age, growth, and medical conditions. We consider your child’s specific needs, such as food preferences, food allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions.
Addressing Medical Conditions
Our paediatric dietitians are skilled in managing various medical conditions such as childhood diabetes, obesity, gut health (including constipation, reflux and diarrhoea) and food allergies.
Helping with picky eating & fussy eating
Our nutritionist can help your child develop a gradual exposure plan to new or disliked foods. This includes slowly introducing new foods in small quantities and in a positive and supportive environment.
Helping with childhood obesity
Weight management in children should be approached with sensitivity. Our child dietitian will help you and your child to make the appropriate changes and positive steps to ensure a healthy weight loss.
Educating and Empowering
Our child nutritionist educate parents and children about optimal nutrition and the importance of a healthy diet. We provide practical tips, meal suggestions, and guidance on making nourishing food choices to encourage a lifelong habit of healthy eating.
Our Happy Customers
My 9 year old daughter was overweight and she successfully return to a healthy weight within 6 months. This was achieved through healthier eating habits and behaviour change. We had to make a lot of change at home and as a family, but it was all worth it, the education and knowledge we earned from it was beyond what I could’ve imagined! It wouldn’t have been possible with you, thank you!!
Alicia was extremely helpful in advising me about the diet of my ten year old autistic son. Her manner was calm, friendly and informative and she was very knowledgeable. She made the experience enjoyable and collaborative and I really enjoyed our sessions.
Beatrice Riddiford
Beatrice Riddiford
Our Locations in the UK & in London Near You
We also offer online/ video consultations
FAQs
The initial paediatric dietetic consultation is an opportunity where we get to know you and your child to understand the nutrition-related problem at hand. It is a session that is aimed at comprehensively assessing the big picture and identify obstacles. Things that we look at during this assessment includes weight and height measurements to determine whether your child is growing optimally, bloodwork (if indicated), medical history, clinical signs and symptoms and diet history, preferences, and intake. We will then provide tailored recommendations and create an action plan so you can make the necessary adjustment to progress and see positive results efficiently
After the initial assessment, we will provide you with practical tips on things that can be changed immediately based on the identified hurdles to your child’s success. We will provide you with evidence based and personalised strategies for assisting your child in achieving their health goals. These strategies will be manageable and realistic changes that are implemented with sustainability in mind, that could lead to significant transformation. After our initial consultation, we will have adequate information to then compile a healthy, personalised meal plan/ guide centred around the family’s specific needs. This guide could have recipe ideas and healthier snack/ meal alternatives.
Weight management in the paediatric subset is a very sensitive topic and should be dealt with the utmost of understanding and care. It is of cardinal importance that we address unhealthy eating habits through the education and empowerment of the child. Struggling with weight management in these vulnerable years of life may lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and disordered eating if not handled with the sensitivity that it demands. Our approach is evidence based and centred around intuitive eating, and balanced eating. We educate the child and family on eating behaviours, how to eat intuitively, increasing variety of nutrient dense foods, and how to keep fuller for longer.
Children that are diagnosed with ADHD and ASD often presents with challenges around their dietary intake which may include having sensory differences, oral aversion, and restricted intake, eating in the absence of hunger, and having a ‘bland/beige’ diet. These challenges may result in your child being an unhealthy weight (under/overweight) or presenting with micronutrient deficiencies which could have a negative impact on their growth and development. Our baby dietitian will assist you in addressing these challenges by teaching you some valuable strategies to implement to improve your child’s nutritional status while increasing their tolerance to different tastes, textures, colours, and temperatures of food.
Food intolerances and allergies are often misdiagnosed resulting in overly aggressive management which could ironically result in an intolerance. It is therefore of cardinal importance that the correct steps are followed in the diagnosis of a suspected food allergy or intolerance so that the appropriate nutritional management can be implemented. When you suspect that your child has a food allergy or intolerance, a dietitian will do a comprehensive assessment enquiring about symptom presentation and onset after which allergen exclusion and reintroduction may be recommended or formal allergy testing if indicated.
A child dietitian has a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Masters (MSc) in dietetics with a specialty in children’s nutrition. Our dietitian is also registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Dietetic Association.
