Toddlers have notoriously picky palates, and you may find feeding your youngster increasingly difficult. After her first birthday, though, your child food needs diminish because her growth rate decreases, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports. The calories your child eats should come from a variety of food types, including meat, fish and poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables and grains.
Caloric Needs
A 1-year-old needs about 1,000 calories a day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. A toddler's precise calorie needs will vary from day to day, so while your child picks at his food one day he may seem ravenous the next. A good way to divide the caloric intake is into three meals and two snacks each day. However, if your child resists this you should stick with an eating plan that he prefers if possible. Don't fret, though, if your child seems to eat very little in some sitting. This is normal in young children.
Fat and Cholesterol
A toddlers needs an ample supply of fats and cholesterol so she can develop and her body can grow properly. Parents should not attempt to limit the fat and cholesterol intake of a child this age, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports. In fact, about half a toddler's calories should come from fat.
Milk
After your child's first birthday, his milk needs will diminish as he begins eating more solid foods. However, milk is still a vital component of a healthy diet because it is rich in calcium and iron, which promotes bone growth and development. Until your child turns 2, he should drink whole milk, KidsHealth advises. When you first transition your child from breast milk or formula to cow's milk, you may need to gradually increase the milk content so your child can become accustomed to the new taste and texture.
Food Guide Pyramid
The dietary recommendations for young children in the Food Guide Pyramid are based on kids who are 2 or 3 years old, according to KidsHealth. Because of this, you will need to make adjustments for a younger child. For example, a 2-year-old should eat 1 cup each of fruits and vegetables, but your toddler will need a smaller amount of each. When trying to meet the intake recommendations for the various food groups, focus on foods your child likes while occasionally introducing new foods.
Food Safety
You will still need to take precautions when feeding your 1-year-old child to ensure she does not choke or hurt herself while eating. For example, foods should be cut up into small, bite-sized pieces. Foods that should be avoided because they could pose a choking hazard include grapes, peanuts, hot dogs, hard candy and popcorn, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports. You should also make sure the food is not too hot because it could burn his mouth. Finally, if your child has food allergies or is likely to develop them, you should introduce new foods one at a time and monitor her for signs of an allergic reaction before introducing another food.
Member Comments