As your child transitions from baby to toddler, her growth will slow considerably, says Kids Health. However, it is important that your toddler continue to eat nutritious foods to promote healthy growth and development. Your toddler will eat more independently and may be willing to eat a wider variety of foods so take advantage of this and serve different choices to your child.
Milk
Milk offers your baby a healthy dose of calcium for strong bones and teeth as well as protein for muscle growth and energy. Milk also has vitamin D, a nutrient necessary for the absorption of calcium. According to Kids Health, your toddler should get about 500mg of calcium each day. He will easily reach this goal if he consumes two cups of milk throughout the day.
Toddlers between the ages of 12 and 24 months should drink whole milk for the fat and cholesterol it provides for their growing brain. Toddlers over 24 months of age should drink low-fat or skim milk to get the nutritional benefits without the unnecessary fat.
Meat And Poultry
Lean meats and poultry provide your child with a rich source of protein and iron, says Kids Health. Protein helps your toddler convert calories into energy. Iron is an essential nutrient for your toddler because it makes red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout your child's body. A diet low in iron may lead to learning or behavioral problems, reports Kids Health.
Anemia, or a decreased number of red blood cells, is another problem associated with low iron intake. Healthy Children adds that a serving size of meat or poultry for your toddler is quite small, only about the size of the palm of her hand. Add skinless chicken and turkey as well as lean cuts of beef and pork to increase iron and protein intake.
Fruits And Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of your toddler's diet because they provide him with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that help him grow and develop. Healthy Children indicates that a serving of fruits or vegetables for a toddler equals one or two tablespoons so you can easily vary the fruits and vegetables you offer him throughout the day. Aim to give him at least five servings each day.
Watermelon, cantaloupe, bananas, kiwis, mango, avocado, tomato, carrots, peas and green beans are all healthy options for your toddler. Healthy Children adds that you should try to serve at least one dark green vegetable each day to your toddler.
Whole Grains
Whole grains provide your toddler with fiber and several vitamins and minerals. According to Kids Health, your toddler should eat about three ounces of grains each day and at least half of them should be made from whole grains. Add whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread and whole wheat cereals to your toddler's diet each day to reach the recommended daily amount.
