If your toddler is growing more slowly after she hits her first birthday, as long as she is active and healthy, you shouldn't be concerned. Toddlerhood, the period from age 1 to 3, is the time when growth slows from its rapid pace during infancy, and it is also time for your toddler to gain more independence by choosing her likes and dislikes and feeding herself. But above all that's happening, nutrition remains the top priority. Your toddler needs a well-balanced diet to meet her developing body's requirements.
Nutritional Requirement
Your toddler needs about 1,300 calories a day, depending on his size, activity level and bone structure. Fifty to 60 percent of the total calories should come from carbohydrates, 25 to 35 percent from fat and 10 to 15 percent from protein. He needs much more than just breast milk and formula now. He needs about 3 oz. of grains, 2 cups of milk, 2 oz. of meat and beans, 1 cup of cooked vegetables and 1 cup of fruits per day.
Vitamins and Minerals
Your toddler needs extra calcium for his developing bones and teeth. His daily 2 cups of dairy can provide him with enough calcium. If he doesn't eat dairy products, serve him with calcium-fortified cereal, soy milk and orange juice. Since your toddler no longer consumes iron-fortified formula and cereal, he needs to get his iron source from other foods. The best source of iron is meat, such as beef, chicken, pork and fish. If he is a vegetarian, give him iron-enriched grains and tofu. It also helps to limit cow's milk consumption to no more than 2 cups, since cow's milk may lower iron absorption.
Misconceptions
Some parents make the mistake of forcing their toddlers to eat because they are worried about the sudden decrease in growth. However, never force your toddler to eat, because it can associate eating with stress. Furthermore, your toddler will eat when he is hungry and when he is interested, and will stop eating when he is full.
Considerations
Do not force her to try new foods. Rather, offer her the food at least 10 times, since some children take as many as 10 times to try a new food. Never use food as a reward or punishment because that also can associate foods with stress. Avoid foods that pose choking hazards such as hot dogs, hard candies, grapes, nuts and popcorn.
Warning
If your toddler is a vegetarian or vegan or has certain food allergies and may not be getting all of the nutrition he needs, talk to his pediatrician about possible supplementations.
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