Nutrition is key in the growth of pediatric patients. As they progress through the different stages of childhood, nutrient needs change. Infants have higher energy and protein needs based on their weight than older children. Vitamins and minerals can become limited with increasing autonomy in eating habits and food choices. It is imperative to encourage a variety of foods from each food group to promote adequate growth and health. Energy needs and growth goals may vary depending on medical diagnoses such as CP, Trach/Vent dependent (requiring lower needs) or BPD (requiring high needs). Please refer to disease-specific chapters for more detailed energy needs and growth goals.