If you are the parent of a toddler, you know how frustrating meal time can be. Your child who ate anything as a baby now refuses to eat anything you offer. When a growing child refuses to eat, it causes you as a parent to worry that he isn't consuming the calories needed for healthy growth and development.
Caloric Needs
During your child's first year of life, their growth rate was at its highest. Once your baby enters the toddler stage, their growth rate and energy needs are reduced. According to Keepkidshealthy.com, toddlers need between 1,000 and 1,300 calories per day depending on their size.
Milk and Juice
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 16-24 ounces, or 300 to 445 calories, of milk per day. The AAP also recommends no more than one serving of juice per day which will yield 60-90 calories.
Meals and Snacks
After drinking between 360 and 435 calories of milk and juice, only 600 to 950 calories remain to split across meals and snacks. To ensure proper growth and development, you should aim to feed your toddler healthy foods, and not restrict fats and cholesterol. Aim to provide meals and snacks that circle around the six basic food groups: proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy, fats and carbohydrates.
High Expectations
One problem parents have is realizing what realistic portion sizes are for a toddler. The average toddler portion should be about one-fourth of an adult serving size. The only time you really need to be concerned is if your toddler isn't growing as expected or isn't as active as they should be.
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