As a parent, you have the responsibility of offering your child a variety of healthy foods to meet his nutritional needs. Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters, though, and sometimes they don't seem too hungry. Don't fret. Once your child turns 1, his growth rate slows, and he doesn't need as much food, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Caloric Intake
A toddler needs about 1,000 calories each day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Try to divide your child's daily consumption into three meals and two snacks. Young children often eat erratically, so don't be concerned if your child just picks at her food for a meal or two. Consider setting a regular meal and snack schedule so your child becomes accustomed to eating at the same time each day.
Fat Intake
Fat is an important part of a toddler's diet. In fact, about half the calories babies and toddlers eat should come from fat. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that parents should not restrict fat intake in babies and young children. Once a child turns 2, his fat intake can be decreased to account for about one-third of his caloric intake.
Milk
Milk is an important part of a healthy toddler's diet. Once your child turns 1, you can introduce cow's milk. Because toddlers require more fat in their diets, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving your child vitamin D whole milk at least until her second birthday. And although milk consumption should be encouraged, limit your child to no more than 32 ounces--1 quart--a day to ensure that she is still eating other foods throughout the day.
Food Groups
Just as you should, your child should eat from all the major food groups--meats and proteins, fruits and vegetables, dairy and whole grains and bread, according to MedlinePlus. Offer your child a variety of healthful foods so he becomes accustomed to eating a variety of flavors and textures. Don't be discouraged if your toddler doesn't like a food the first time he tries it. Children often need to eat a food several times before they enjoy eating it.
Feeding Tips
Although your toddler can begin eating a diet similar to yours, you should still take precautions. First, keep in mind that your child cannot eat bites as large as yours. To prevent choking, cut foods into small pieces that are easy for your child to handle, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises. Also, make sure foods are lukewarm, rather than hot. Introduce foods to your child one at a time and wait two or three days before introducing another. This will make it more obvious if your child is having an allergic reaction to a particular food.
Serving Size
An appropriate portion for a child is much smaller than yours. A general guideline is that a toddler-sized serving is about a quarter of the size of your serving, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Feeding and Nutrition: Your One-Year-Old
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Age-appropriate Diet for Children
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Why Formula Instead of Cow's Milk
- KidsHealth.org: Feeding Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Optimizing Nutrition for Toddlers
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