Pediatric Nutritionist in Bolingbrook, IL
Picky Eating, Growth and Special Diets
Pediatric Nutritional Consultation
Nutrition plays a vital role in every stage of a child’s development—from infancy through adolescence. At our clinic, we offer personalized nutritional consultations to help children and their families build healthy eating habits, support growth, manage medical conditions, and develop a lifelong positive relationship with food.
Why Pediatric Nutrition Matters
Good nutrition fuels your child’s physical growth, cognitive development, immune system, and emotional well-being. Poor or imbalanced nutrition can lead to:
- Growth delays
- Frequent illness
- Obesity or underweight issues
- Behavioral concerns
- Nutrient deficiencies (like iron, vitamin D, or calcium)
With the right support, parents and caregivers can make informed decisions to ensure children get the nourishment they need.
When to Consider a Nutritional Consultation
You may benefit from a pediatric nutrition consultation if your child:
- Has poor appetite or is a picky eater
- Is overweight or underweight
- Has food allergies or intolerances
- Follows a vegetarian or vegan diet
- Has a medical condition (e.g., diabetes, celiac disease, GI issues)
- Is transitioning to solids or a new feeding stage
- Is experiencing low energy or poor school performance
- Needs support with sports nutrition or high activity levels
What to Expect During the Visit
Our consultations are child-friendly, personalized, and based on your family’s goals and concerns. We work closely with you to build realistic strategies that suit your lifestyle.
Nutrition Assessment
• Growth and BMI evaluation
• Review of current eating habits and food intake
• Analysis of nutrient needs based on age, activity, and medical history
• Feeding patterns for infants and toddlers
• Review of current eating habits and food intake
• Analysis of nutrient needs based on age, activity, and medical history
• Feeding patterns for infants and toddlers
Customized Nutrition Plan
• Balanced meal planning based on preferences
• Portion guidance for different age groups
• Strategies for introducing new foods
• Tips for dealing with picky eating or mealtime struggles
• Portion guidance for different age groups
• Strategies for introducing new foods
• Tips for dealing with picky eating or mealtime struggles
Education for Families
• Reading food labels and understanding ingredients
• Grocery shopping tips and healthy lunchbox ideas
• Screen time and its relationship with eating behaviors
• Addressing emotional eating or poor body image (if applicable)
• Grocery shopping tips and healthy lunchbox ideas
• Screen time and its relationship with eating behaviors
• Addressing emotional eating or poor body image (if applicable)
Ongoing Support & Monitoring
• Follow-up visits to track growth and progress
• Adjustments to plans as children develop
• Continued motivation and encouragement
• Adjustments to plans as children develop
• Continued motivation and encouragement
Special Diet & Medical Nutrition Support
We also offer guidance for children with medical or dietary conditions such as:
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
- Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
- Constipation, reflux, or IBS
- Lactose intolerance
Healthy Habits Start Early
Our goal is to empower children and their families with the knowledge and confidence to make food a source of nourishment—not stress. We’re here to help you raise healthy eaters, one step at a time.
Now Offering Telemedicine Appointments
Telephone and Online Health Care for Your Kids and Family
Pediatric Nutritionist in Bolingbrook, Downers Grove and Darien
A pediatric nutritionist helps children eat well, grow well and build healthy habits. At A2Z Pediatrics, our nutrition consultations support families in Bolingbrook, Downers Grove and Darien with picky eating, weight worries, food allergies and diets for medical conditions. Call 630-755-5437 to book a visit.
Call 630-755-5437Book a Nutrition Visit
What does a pediatric nutritionist do?
A pediatric nutritionist checks how your child is growing and eating, then builds a practical plan. The plan can cover meals, portion sizes, new foods, allergies and special diets. The goal is steady growth, enough nutrients and less stress at the table. Your pediatrician also looks at growth charts, illness history and medicines, because they all affect what a child needs to eat.
Picky eating: normal or a problem?
Many toddlers and preschoolers refuse foods, eat a lot one day and little the next, or want the same meal again and again. This is common, and most children grow out of it. A plan usually helps more than pressure.
| Usually normal | Talk to a doctor |
|---|---|
| Refuses new foods at first | Weight loss or no weight gain |
| Eats small amounts at some meals | Gagging, choking or vomiting with food |
| Likes a short list of favorites | Refuses whole food groups or textures for months |
| Gets distracted at the table | Tired, pale or often sick |
If your child fits the right-hand column, book a visit rather than waiting.
What happens at a nutrition visit
- Growth check. We measure height and weight and review your child’s growth chart.
- Food history. We ask what your child eats on a typical day, how meals go and which foods cause problems.
- Health review. We look at allergies, medicines, digestion, energy and family history.
- Plan. You get simple steps: meal ideas, portion guidance and ways to introduce new foods.
- Follow-up. We check progress and adjust the plan as your child grows.
Eating well at every age
- Babies: Most babies are ready for solid foods around 6 months, when they can sit up and show interest. See our newborn care page for first-year visits.
- Toddlers and preschoolers: Offer regular meals and snacks, small portions and the same food several times. A child may need many tries to accept a new food.
- School-age children: Pack balanced lunches with a protein, a fruit or vegetable and a whole grain. Limit sugary drinks.
- Teens: Teens need enough iron, calcium and total calories, especially if they play sports. See our adolescent health and sports physicals pages.
The USDA MyPlate site has simple meal guides for families. If weight is your main concern, see our pediatric weight management page.
Office hours
All three offices share the same hours: Mon and Wed 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Tue and Thu 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Fri 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Sun closed.
Pediatric nutrition FAQs
Can a nutritionist help my picky eater?
Yes. We look at growth first, then at what and how your child eats. Most picky eaters need patience, a regular meal routine and repeated exposure to new foods, not pressure. If growth is slow, we look for medical causes too.
Can you help with food allergies?
We can help you plan safe, balanced meals around a diagnosed food allergy. Allergy diagnosis and emergency care are separate. Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or repeated vomiting after eating.
Is a vegetarian or vegan diet safe for kids?
It can be, with planning. Children on these diets need enough protein, iron, vitamin B12, calcium and vitamin D. A nutritionist reviews your child’s meals and tells you if a supplement is needed.
What should I bring to a nutrition visit?
Bring your insurance card, a list of your child’s medicines and supplements, and any past growth or lab records. It also helps to write down what your child eats for 3 days, including snacks and drinks, and any foods that cause problems.
How do I book a nutrition visit?
Call 630-755-5437 or use our appointment page. Tell us your child’s age and your main concern. We have offices in Bolingbrook, Downers Grove and Darien, and we are accepting new patients.
