During a child's toddler and preschool years, a balanced diet provides the necessary vitamins and nutrition to help him develop a healthy body and mind. Although caloric needs vary from child to child, due to age, body size and activity level, a balanced diet will include fresh fruits and vegetables, milk and whole grain foods.
Changing Milk Needs
A child makes the transition from a mostly-milk diet to eating a variety of fruits, veggies and meats by her first birthday, according to the "American Family Physician." By the time a child turns 2, she'll be feeding herself. However, she'll still needs to consume at least 2 cups of milk or dairy products daily.
Nutritional Needs
During the toddler years, a child grows an average of 3 to 5 inches a year and his nutritional needs increase as he grows. A 2-year-old should eat a daily average of 3 oz. of whole grains, 1 cup each of vegetables and fruit, and 2 oz. of meat or beans. Add an additional 1/2 cup of fruits and veggies for 3-year-olds and increase their daily consumption of whole grain products to between 4 and 5 oz.
Fats in the Toddler Diet
Not all fats are detrimental to a child's health, although parents should limit or avoid foods that contain saturated fats and trans fats. The "American Family Physician" recommends reading food labels to select foods that contain polyunsaturated fats. A toddler should consume about 30 percent of his calories in the form of polyunsaturated fats. A child who eats fewer than 20 percent of fat in his diet may experience delayed growth.
Calories for Healthy Growth
A 2-year-old child should consume 1,000 calories daily, according to MyPyramid.gov, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's nutritional guideline program. Between the ages of 3 and 6, a child should consume 1,200 calories a day, but a physically active child may need as much as an additional 400 calories. Consult your pediatrician to determine your child's exact caloric needs.
Healthy Snacking
Nursery age children may not consume enough food at mealtimes to get all the nutrition they need. Snack time offers parents and caregivers a chance to supplement a child's nutritional needs and balance her diet, according to KidsHealth. Stock up on healthy treats, including fresh fruit, cheeses, whole grain muffins and crackers, and low-sugar breakfast cereals. Offer healthy finger foods, such as carrot sticks or celery sticks filled with peanut butter. Don't serve sugary sodas, cookies and highly processed snacks, which are full of empty calories.
Unhealthy Trends
The number of children who are overweight has dramatically increased since the 1970s, according to a 2006 report published in the "American Family Physician." With an array of high-calorie junk foods and television commercials that target children and their parents, kids are consuming more sugar and empty calories--and fewer vegetables and whole grains. A balanced diet during a child's nursery years is imperative to maintaining a healthy weight.
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