As the growth spurt of babyhood slows down, the eating habits of a toddler slow down, too. Parents may worry that their child isn't getting enough of the nutrients he needs, but if the toddler is growing in height and gaining weight, he's probably doing fine. Because part of a toddler's experience with eating is learning how to eat different foods and try new things, allowing a little room for exploration and the option of declining a particular food choice can help him learn healthy eating habits.
Calories
Toddlers between the ages of 1 and 3 should consume between 1,000 to 1,300 calories a day, explains pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Because toddlers may not eat consistently, it is a good idea to offer plenty of nutrient-dense foods. Avocado, pasta, chicken, peanut butter, broccoli, yogurt, sweet potatoes, squash, eggs and cheese are all good choices.
Specific Nutrients
Milk and dairy products should be whole-fat varieties until at least age 2, since toddlers under this age need the fats to ensure proper brain development. Calcium is another concern, with toddlers needing about 500 mg each day. Toddlers also need 400 IU of vitamin D and 7 mg of iron each day, according to Kids Health.
Preparation
The method of preparation can make a big difference in whether your toddler's meals are a nutritional powerhouse or a health disaster. Steaming is better than boiling, since boiled food can lose some of its valuable nutrients in the water. For crispier textured food, choose baking over frying. If you must fry something for a toddler, opt for stir-frying with only a small amount of healthy oil, such as canola oil, instead of deep frying or pan-frying in butter.
Feeding Style
Most toddlers prefer to snack on smaller meals throughout the day instead of sitting down to three larger meals. Part of this is because a toddler's stomach is so small, only about the size of her fist. Another reason is because part of the developmental pattern of toddlerhood involves a busy exploration of the world, which doesn't leave much time to sit down and eat with the rest of the family.
Special Circumstances
While most recommendations involving toddler nutrition are for those who are fully weaned, plenty of breastfeeding mothers choose to continue nursing well into the second year and beyond. Breastfed toddlers can continue using breast milk as their primary source of nutrition up through about 18 months, with solids gradually taking the place of nursing sessions over time. If a toddler is still nursing three to four times each day, it's OK to delay introducing cow's milk, since breast milk contains all the calcium and fats he needs.
Recommendations
The most important thing for parents to remember about feeding toddlers is to stay patient. Getting all of the necessary calories and nutrients into a toddler every day isn't as important as making sure she gets most of what she needs on a weekly basis. Encourage healthy eating habits by offering plenty of nutritious options throughout the day and by trying to make eating healthy food fun.
