Your toddler likely has her own eating preferences, which may or may not include the most nutritious foods. Your 18-month old needs to consume about 1,000 calories a day, reports HealthyChildren.org, from healthy foods like milk, fruits, vegetables, meat and bread. Knowing exactly what your little one needs each day will help you plan nutritious and toddler-pleasing menus.
Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits should be a part of every meal for your 18-month-old child. Your toddler should be eating 1 cup of vegetables and 1 cup of fruits each day, recommends KidsHealth.org. Spreading this amount throughout the day will ensure that your little one eats many kinds of vegetables and fruits so he gets plenty of nutrients. Serve 1/2 cup of vegetables, such as shredded carrots, cooked green beans or baked sweet potato, at lunch and another 1/2 cup at dinner. Offer 1/2 cup of fruits, such as sliced banana, peaches or pears, at breakfast and another 1/2 cup at lunch.
Bread and Cereal
Whole grains, such as bread and cereal, are fortified with several nutrients, including folic acid, iron and B vitamins, and should have a prominent place in your 18-month-old's diet. Your little one needs about 3 oz. of grains each day to help encourage healthy digestion. A slice of toast at breakfast or a small amount of dry cereal for a snack are two ways to reach this amount. Whole-grain pasta for lunch or dinner is also considered a healthy grain product for your toddler.
Poultry, Meat and Fish
Poultry, meat and fish are important foods for protein, which your child needs to continue growing normally. She will need about 2 oz. of meat each day. Offer some shredded chicken or chopped salmon at lunch or dinner, or cut a piece of lean beef into small cubes. Other meat sources of protein include lean turkey, lean ground beef and pork chops. Beans are another good source of protein if your toddler turns away from eating meat.
Milk, Cheese and Yogurt
Getting enough calcium is an important goal for your toddler because his bones are still growing at a rapid pace and calcium helps protect them and keep them strong as they grow. Milk is one of the most common sources of calcium and also provides vitamin D, which helps your 18-month old absorb calcium. Before age 2, your child should be drinking whole milk, because the fat helps in brain development. Offer your toddler milk at every meal and at snacks to help ensure that he reaches the 2 cups he needs each day. Cheese and yogurt are additional sources of calcium that your toddler can enjoy at mealtimes or for a snack.
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