Is it ok to give a 4-5 yr old Ensure?

[bookworm79]

Pediasure does not have as many nutrients etc in it that one would think.  I think less than .05% of daily value.  Any advice, thoughts or experience?  My relative is underweight and not healthy in my opinion.

[margypops]

well I think you are learning fast and I think you are really helping this child weekends are great ..make sure she has some fun , lots of games and a caring loving attitude , which I am sure you have ..good luck ..its people like you who are truly helping children in need ,let us know how she and you get on ....

[bookworm79]

Just a poor family situation, sort of sudden.  Options are being looked at for more stable environment etc but in the mean time I want to do as much as I'm allowed to do.  There are custody issues between the two parents and families etc but in the mean time I just want to give her some stability or direction even if it's only on the weekends.  I was in similar situations growing up and as adults we think a couple of days here and there do not impact a child but they do.  Those few days of stability, safety, nutrition etc, that I got here and there reminded me throughout those tough years that I didn't have to end up in a bad way when I got to an age to make my own decisions.  They also gave me hope and I didn't forget the lessons I learned so I'm hoping to pass that on to her, even if it's temporary or small things.  I do not have children of my own and trying to learn a few quick things.

[margypops]

I would suggest soft cereals , with milk if she can take milk, Bananas are a wonderful food ,pasta , chicken pieces for protein ,also a good food supplement VitC and Vit Bcomplex..smoothies are nourishing and fun, Banana, strawberries over crushed ice and milk..give her a straw to drink it .Good luck let us know how she is doing ..

[margypops]

That's great and how wonderful that you care for this child ,maybe if you get her onto a good diet you can pass on the information to her Mom .You are correct if she is malnourished and it sounds as if she is you do start slowly .May I ask how she became like this ,you say you wont have enough time' what happens then to this child ?

[bookworm79]

I'm only going to have her for a few days and where she's not had proper nutrition, I'm trying to get some good calories in her that her stomach won't reject with solid foods.  I will try to get her to eat more solid foods but from experience in my own childhood, when you're not used to a lot of food, you can't just eat all that suddenly.  It makes you sick and you can vomit or have digestion/bowel issues.  Unfortunately I won't have her enough time to "build her up" to the proper nutrition and introduce all this in her diet.  But I'll do what I can in the short amount of time I'll have her.

[margypops]

I would not recommend giving ensure to a child it is full of additives, it would be best for the child to eat more fruit and vegetables maybe step up the protein and carbs. Make your own smoothies, with bananas and strawberries add milk over crushed ice,cheese is good and there are string cheeses kids like to eat., pasta is another good one for them, mac and cheese., most love chicken nuggetts and cereals .