Pediatric Nutritionist in Dubai: Expert Dietitian Services for Children and Families

Are you looking for professional nutrition guidance for your child? Do you need help with picky eating, weight management, or introducing solid foods? At myPediaClinic in Dubai Healthcare City, our clinical dietitian provides comprehensive nutrition services for children and families.

Under the leadership of Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban, our award-winning pediatrician in Dubai, we offer integrated care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs. Our nutritionist works with families to establish healthier eating patterns and develop sustainable lifestyle modifications. This comprehensive guide covers the nutrition services available at myPediaClinic and how we can help your family achieve better health through proper nutrition.

The Role of a Pediatric Nutritionist

A pediatric nutritionist or clinical dietitian specializes in the unique nutritional needs of children and families. Understanding their role helps parents know when to seek professional nutrition guidance.

What Does a Pediatric Nutritionist Do?

A pediatric nutritionist helps families with:

• Nutritional assessment: Evaluating current dietary intake and nutritional status
• Customized meal planning: Creating appropriate eating plans for each child
• Education: Teaching families about nutrition and healthy eating
• Behavior change: Helping establish sustainable healthy habits
• Special needs: Addressing medical conditions affecting nutrition
• Growth monitoring: Ensuring adequate growth and development

When to See a Nutritionist

Consider nutrition consultation for:

• Weight concerns: Underweight or overweight children
• Picky eating: Very selective eating habits
• Food allergies: Managing allergies while maintaining nutrition
• Chronic conditions: Diabetes, digestive issues, metabolic disorders
• Developmental concerns: Including autism spectrum disorders
• Feeding difficulties: Problems with eating or swallowing
• Sports nutrition: Active children with specific needs
• Introducing solids: Guidance on starting baby food
• Vegetarian/vegan diets: Ensuring adequate nutrition

Benefits of Professional Nutrition Guidance

• Evidence-based advice: Recommendations based on scientific research
• Personalized plans: Tailored to your child’s specific needs
• Family approach: Involving the whole family in healthy eating
• Long-term success: Focus on sustainable changes
• Medical coordination: Working with your child’s healthcare team

Nutrition Services at myPediaClinic

Our clinical dietitian provides comprehensive nutrition services for children of all ages and families in Dubai.

Our Approach

At myPediaClinic, our nutritionist believes in:

• Gradual changes: Sustainable modifications rather than drastic overhauls
• Family involvement: Helping entire families establish healthier patterns
• Practical solutions: Real-life strategies that work in daily routines
• Healthy recipes: Teaching families to prepare nutritious meals
• Positive relationships: Building healthy attitudes toward food

Ages Served

Our nutrition services span the lifespan:

• Infants: Introduction of solid foods and early nutrition
• Toddlers: Managing picky eating and establishing habits
• Children: Healthy eating for growth and development
• Teenagers: Nutrition for adolescent needs and activity
• Parents: Family nutrition and modeling healthy eating

Specialized Areas

We offer expertise in:

• Child and teen weight management: Healthy approaches to weight concerns
• Introducing solids: Guidance on starting baby food
• Picky eating: Strategies for selective eaters
• Diabetes management: Nutrition for blood sugar control
• Special needs nutrition: Tailored approaches for children with disabilities
• Prenatal nutrition: Supporting healthy pregnancy
• Breastfeeding support: Nutrition for nursing mothers
• Hormonal balance: Dietary approaches for hormonal health

Child and Teen Weight Management

Healthy weight management in children requires a specialized approach different from adult weight loss programs.

Our Approach to Weight Management

• Whole-family focus: Changes that benefit everyone
• Growth consideration: Accounting for ongoing development
• Positive messaging: Focus on health, not weight
• Gradual changes: Sustainable lifestyle modifications
• No restrictive diets: Age-appropriate nutrition
• Activity integration: Combining nutrition with movement

What to Expect

• Initial assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of current habits
• Goal setting: Realistic, achievable objectives
• Meal planning: Practical, family-friendly meal ideas
• Behavior strategies: Techniques for changing habits
• Regular follow-up: Ongoing support and adjustment
• Progress tracking: Monitoring improvements over time

Supporting Success

• Parental involvement: Parents are key to success
• Kitchen skills: Learning to prepare healthy foods
• Shopping guidance: Making smart choices at the grocery store
• Eating out: Strategies for restaurants and social eating
• School lunches: Healthy options for school meals

Introducing Solids and Infant Feeding

Starting solid foods is an exciting milestone that comes with many questions for new parents.

When to Start Solids

General guidelines include:

• Around 6 months: Most babies are ready
• Signs of readiness: Head control, interest in food, loss of tongue thrust reflex
• Not before 4 months: Digestive system not ready earlier
• Individual variation: Some babies ready slightly earlier or later
• Consult your pediatrician: For personalized guidance

What to Feed First

• Iron-rich foods: Fortified cereals, pureed meats
• Single ingredients: Introduce one food at a time
• Vegetables and fruits: Variety of flavors and colors
• Progression: From smooth purees to textured foods
• Allergens: Current guidance on introducing common allergens

Common Questions and Concerns

• How much to feed: Starting small and following baby’s cues
• Food allergies: How to introduce and watch for reactions
• Gagging vs choking: Understanding the difference
• Baby-led weaning: Options for introducing solids
• Continuing breastfeeding: Balancing milk and solids

Managing Picky Eating

Picky eating is one of the most common concerns parents bring to nutrition consultations.

Understanding Picky Eating

• Normal developmental phase: Many children go through picky phases
• Food neophobia: Fear of new foods is common
• Control issues: Food becomes a way to exert independence
• Sensory preferences: Texture, taste, and appearance matter
• When to worry: Signs that indicate more than typical pickiness

Strategies That Work

• Repeated exposure: Offer foods multiple times without pressure
• Family meals: Eat together when possible
• Model eating: Children learn from watching adults
• Involve children: In shopping and cooking
• Make it fun: Creative presentation and food play
• No pressure: Avoid forcing or bribing
• Division of responsibility: Parents provide, child decides how much

When to Seek Help

Consult our nutritionist if your child:

• Eats fewer than 20 foods
• Is not gaining weight appropriately
• Has significant nutritional gaps
• Shows extreme food avoidance behaviors
• Has sensory issues affecting eating
• Causes significant family stress around mealtimes

Nutrition for Special Needs

Children with special needs may have unique nutritional requirements and challenges.

Conditions We Support

• Autism spectrum disorders: Managing food selectivity and sensory issues
• ADHD: Nutrition strategies that may support behavior
• Developmental delays: Addressing feeding skills and nutrition
• Genetic conditions: Specialized nutrition needs
• Metabolic disorders: Specific dietary management
• Gastrointestinal conditions: Nutrition for digestive issues

Our Approach

• Individualized plans: Every child is unique
• Family support: Helping caregivers implement strategies
• Practical solutions: Realistic approaches for daily life
• Team coordination: Working with other therapists and specialists
• Patience and persistence: Long-term support and encouragement

Nutrition During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Proper nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding supports both mother and baby’s health.

Prenatal Nutrition

• Healthy weight gain: Appropriate weight goals for pregnancy
• Key nutrients: Folic acid, iron, calcium, omega-3s
• Foods to avoid: Safety during pregnancy
• Managing symptoms: Nausea, cravings, aversions
• Gestational diabetes: Nutrition management if needed

Breastfeeding Nutrition

• Maintaining milk supply: Nutrition for lactation
• Caloric needs: Energy requirements while nursing
• Hydration: Adequate fluid intake
• Foods affecting milk: What may cause baby discomfort
• Postpartum weight: Healthy weight management while breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Support

We strongly advocate for breastfeeding and provide:

• Lactation support: Guidance for successful breastfeeding
• Nutrition optimization: Best diet for nursing mothers
• Problem-solving: Addressing common challenges
• Combination feeding: When supplementation is needed

How Nutrition Consultations Work

Understanding what to expect helps families get the most from nutrition services.

Initial Consultation

• Comprehensive assessment: Medical history, current diet, lifestyle
• Food diary review: Analysis of current eating patterns
• Goal discussion: Understanding what you want to achieve
• Measurements: Weight, height, body composition if appropriate
• Initial recommendations: Starting strategies

Follow-Up Sessions

• Progress review: How changes are working
• Problem-solving: Addressing challenges
• Plan adjustment: Modifying approach as needed
• New strategies: Adding additional changes gradually
• Ongoing support: Motivation and encouragement

Program Options

We offer various program structures:

• Single consultations: For specific questions or guidance
• Three-month programs: For focused goals
• Six-month programs: For comprehensive lifestyle change
• Ongoing support: As needed for maintenance

Integrating Nutrition with Pediatric Care

At myPediaClinic, our integrated approach means nutrition services work seamlessly with medical care.

Benefits of Integrated Care

• Coordinated approach: Nutritionist and pediatrician communicate
• Comprehensive view: Nutrition as part of overall health
• Medical oversight: Ensuring nutrition plans are medically appropriate
• Convenient location: All services under one roof
• Shared records: Continuity of information

When Medical and Nutritional Care Connect

• Growth concerns: Addressing faltering growth
• Chronic conditions: Nutrition management alongside medical care
• Allergies: Medical diagnosis with dietary management
• Digestive issues: Comprehensive approach to gut health
• Developmental concerns: Multi-disciplinary support

Family Nutrition Education

Healthy eating habits are best established as a family. Our nutritionist helps entire families develop better eating patterns together.

Why Family Approach Matters

• Children learn by example: Parents model eating behaviors
• Home environment: What is available at home shapes choices
• Shared meals: Family eating supports healthy habits
• Whole-family health: Everyone benefits from better nutrition
• Sustainable change: Changes are easier when everyone participates

What Family Nutrition Education Includes

• Grocery shopping: Navigating supermarkets in Dubai for healthy choices
• Meal planning: Practical strategies for busy families
• Cooking skills: Simple healthy recipes everyone can make
• Reading labels: Understanding nutrition information
• Portion sizes: Age-appropriate serving amounts
• Mealtime strategies: Creating positive eating environments

Building Healthy Eating Habits

• Regular meal times: Consistent eating schedule
• Eating together: Family meals as often as possible
• No screens: Focus on food and conversation
• Pleasant atmosphere: Positive mealtime environment
• Trying new foods: Encouraging variety without pressure
• Listening to hunger: Teaching intuitive eating

Nutrition Tips for Dubai Families

Living in Dubai presents unique nutrition considerations and opportunities.

Navigating Dubai’s Food Environment

• Diverse options: Access to foods from around the world
• Delivery culture: Making healthy delivery choices
• Restaurant dining: Healthy options at local restaurants
• Mall food courts: Finding nutritious choices
• Supermarket variety: Utilizing diverse grocery options

Hydration in Dubai’s Climate

• Critical importance: Hot climate requires extra attention to fluids
• Water first: Make water the primary beverage
• Recognize signs: Teaching children to notice thirst
• Available always: Water bottles for school and activities
• Limit alternatives: Reduce juice, sports drinks, sodas

Cultural Food Considerations

• Multicultural community: Respecting diverse food traditions
• Arabic cuisine: Healthy options in traditional foods
• Ramadan nutrition: Special guidance for fasting periods
• Celebrations: Balancing special occasions with healthy eating
• Family traditions: Honoring heritage while optimizing nutrition

Common Nutrition Myths Debunked

Misinformation about child nutrition is widespread. Here are facts to replace common myths.

Myth: Children will eat when they are hungry enough

Fact: While healthy children do self-regulate appetite, some children need support to eat adequately. Children with sensory issues, anxiety, or certain conditions may not reliably eat enough when hungry. If your child is not gaining weight appropriately, professional evaluation is important rather than waiting for hunger to drive eating.

Myth: Sugar makes children hyperactive

Fact: Research does not support a direct link between sugar and hyperactivity. What studies show is that situations where children eat a lot of sugar, like birthday parties, are already exciting and may increase activity. However, limiting sugar remains important for dental health, weight management, and overall nutrition quality.

Myth: Organic food is always healthier

Fact: While organic foods may have benefits, conventional produce is still healthy and nutritious. Eating more fruits and vegetables of any type is more important than choosing organic. If budget is a concern, prioritize eating adequate produce over buying organic. Some items may be worth prioritizing for organic purchase more than others.

Myth: Children need supplements

Fact: Most children who eat a reasonably varied diet do not need supplements. A few exceptions exist, such as vitamin D for breastfed infants or children with limited sun exposure, and iron for certain conditions. Unnecessary supplements can be harmful or create a false sense of nutrition security. Consult your pediatrician before giving supplements.

Myth: Juice is a healthy choice for children

Fact: While 100% fruit juice contains some vitamins, it is also high in natural sugar and lacks the fiber of whole fruit. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting juice and prioritizing water and milk. Whole fruits are a better choice, providing fiber, more nutrients, and helping children learn to like eating produce.

Myth: Carbohydrates are bad for children

Fact: Carbohydrates are essential fuel for growing children’s brains and bodies. The key is choosing quality carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes rather than refined sugars and white flour products. Restricting carbohydrates can deprive children of essential energy and nutrients they need for growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can my child see a nutritionist?

Children of any age can benefit from nutrition services at myPediaClinic. We provide guidance from infancy through adolescence. For infants, we help with introducing solid foods and establishing healthy eating patterns. For older children, we address concerns like picky eating, weight management, or specific medical conditions. Parents can also receive guidance on their own nutrition to model healthy eating for their children.

How many sessions will my child need?

The number of sessions depends on your child’s specific needs and goals. Some families need just one or two consultations for specific guidance, while others benefit from ongoing support through multi-month programs. During the initial consultation, our nutritionist will recommend an appropriate plan based on your child’s situation. Simple concerns may be addressed quickly, while more complex issues like significant weight management or eating disorders may require longer-term support.

My child is a very picky eater. Can a nutritionist really help?

Yes, our nutritionist has extensive experience with picky eating and can provide evidence-based strategies that work. We understand the frustration picky eating causes and take a positive, pressure-free approach. Many families see significant improvement with professional guidance. If picky eating is extreme or related to sensory issues, we can also coordinate with other specialists as needed.

Will my child have to follow a strict diet?

No, we do not believe in restrictive diets for children. Our approach focuses on adding healthy foods, establishing positive eating patterns, and making gradual changes that the whole family can maintain. We believe in sustainable lifestyle modifications rather than strict rules. Children need adequate nutrition for growth and development, so our plans ensure they get what they need while improving overall dietary quality.

Can nutrition help my child’s behavior or learning?

Nutrition can play a supportive role in behavior and learning, though it is not a cure for conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities. Adequate nutrition supports brain development and function, and addressing nutritional deficiencies can improve energy and concentration. Our nutritionist can evaluate whether dietary factors may be affecting your child and recommend appropriate nutritional strategies as part of a comprehensive approach.

Does insurance cover nutrition consultations?

Coverage for nutrition services varies by insurance plan. Many plans in Dubai include some coverage for dietitian services, especially when related to medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, or allergies. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about specific coverage. At myPediaClinic in Dubai Healthcare City, we can provide documentation to support insurance claims when applicable.

How do I prepare for my child’s first nutrition appointment?

To make the most of your first appointment, keep a food diary for three to seven days before the visit, noting everything your child eats and drinks including amounts and times. Bring any relevant medical records, growth charts, or lab results. Make a list of your concerns and questions. If your child is old enough, involve them in the process so they feel part of the solution rather than being told what to do.

My child has food allergies. Can you help ensure they get adequate nutrition?

Yes, managing food allergies while maintaining optimal nutrition is one of our specialties. When foods must be eliminated from the diet, it is important to replace the nutrients they provide with safe alternatives. Our nutritionist works closely with families managing food allergies to create balanced, safe meal plans. We can also help with practical strategies for school, eating out, and social situations while keeping your child healthy and nourished.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?

In many places including the UAE, a dietitian is a licensed healthcare professional with specific qualifications in nutrition science. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but dietitians have completed accredited education programs and clinical training. At myPediaClinic in Dubai, our clinical dietitian holds the appropriate qualifications to provide medical nutrition therapy and work with children who have health conditions affecting their nutrition needs.

Can you help with eating disorders in children and teens?

Our nutritionist can work with children and adolescents showing disordered eating patterns as part of a treatment team. Eating disorders are complex conditions requiring multi-disciplinary care including mental health professionals. We can provide nutritional rehabilitation and education while coordinating with therapists and physicians. If you suspect your child has an eating disorder, early intervention is important, and our team can help guide you to appropriate comprehensive care.

My teenager wants to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Is this safe?

Vegetarian and vegan diets can be healthy for teenagers when properly planned to include all necessary nutrients. Key concerns include adequate protein, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Our nutritionist can help your teenager plan a balanced plant-based diet that supports their growth and development. We provide education on food combinations and may recommend specific foods or supplements to ensure nutritional adequacy during these important developmental years.

How can I get my child to drink more water and less juice?

Transitioning from juice to water takes time and patience. Start by gradually diluting juice with water over several weeks until your child accepts mostly water. Make water easily accessible with child-friendly bottles and cups. Model drinking water yourself. Flavor water with slices of fruit or cucumber if your child prefers some taste. Set expectations that juice is a treat rather than a regular beverage. Our nutritionist at myPediaClinic in Dubai can provide additional strategies tailored to your child’s preferences and habits.

Schedule a Nutrition Consultation

At myPediaClinic in Dubai Healthcare City, our clinical dietitian provides expert nutrition guidance for children and families. Whether you are dealing with picky eating, weight concerns, or need guidance on introducing solids, we are here to help.

Our nutrition services include:

• Comprehensive nutritional assessment
• Customized meal planning
• Child and teen weight management
• Picky eating strategies
• Introduction of solid foods guidance
• Special needs nutrition
• Prenatal and breastfeeding nutrition
• Family nutrition education

Contact myPediaClinic:

• Location: Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE
• Book online: Schedule a Nutrition Consultation
• Phone: +971-4-430-5926

Give your child the foundation of good nutrition. Contact the Best Pediatric Clinic in Dubai today.