Feeding a toddler can be challenging, but providing him with a balanced diet ensures that he will obtain the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development.
Step 1
Have a regular eating schedule with three small meals and two snacks per day.
Step 2
Encourage self-feeding with the appropriate utensils. This is a time for growth and development, so allow your toddler to enhance his motor skills by letting him feed himself.
Step 3
Provide your toddler with a variety of foods from each of the basic food groups every day. The basic food groups include grains and cereal, meat and beans, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
Step 4
Feed your toddler foods with important nutrients, such as iron and zinc, essential fats, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, calcium and protein.
Step 5
Continue breast milk or infant formula up to 12 months. From 12 to 24 months use whole milk, after 24 months switch to reduced-fat milk. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the switch from whole to 2 percent milk can be made some time between 12 and 24 months of age.
Step 6
Provide your toddler with the appropriate portions from each food group. Remember, small meals for small bellies. A toddler's caloric intake can vary depending on size and activity level.
Step 7
Be prepared to deal with picky eaters. Try feeding your toddler a new food at least seven to 10 times to let him become familiar with the food before deciding that he doesn't like it. If your toddler has a very limited diet, you may want to talk to your physician about supplementing with a toddler formula.
Step 8
Follow safe food handling practices, including washing hands before preparing and serving your toddler's food, avoiding cross-contamination, heating and reheating to proper temperatures, storing properly, and looking for expiration dates.
Step 9
Be sure to watch for signs of food allergies and intolerances. Also, if you notice your toddler's calorie needs are more or less then the recommended portions, then go with your toddler's hunger cues and strive for a healthy weight.
Tips and Warnings
- A regular feeding pattern is a great way to have a regimented schedule. However, allow your toddler some freedom to choose between healthy food options and listen to his own hunger cues. Although a toddler can eat most of the same foods as the rest of the family, have some quick and healthy options available for busy days. Make foods interesting for your child to eat, by cutting it into fun shapes or have him help prepare the food.
- Your toddler is still new to eating. There is still a great risk of choking. Some foods that are hazardous are nuts and seeds, popcorn, raw vegetables, large chunks of meat or fruit, whole grapes, chewing gum, and hard or sticky candy. For toddlers under the age of two, peanut butter is hazardous.
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