How many calories should an average 4-year-old girl eat in a day?

The American Heart Association recommends that girls between the ages of 4 to 8 eat approximately 1,200 calories per day. This calorie estimate, however, is based on a sedentary lifestyle. If a child is physically active, then caloric intake should be increased to 1,400 calories per day.

The American Heart Association provides a further breakdown of the nutritional needs of a 4-year-old girl. An optimal day's nutrition consists of 2 cups of milk or dairy products, 3 ounces of lean meat or beans, 1 ½ cups of fruit, one cup of vegetables and 4 ounces of grains. Following these eating patterns promotes a child's natural development.