Your 1-year old is likely weaning and is dependent on solid foods for most of her nutritional needs. Offering your baby a variety of healthy foods ensures that she is getting the nutrients she needs to grow and develop. Setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating right from the start helps your child learn to make good eating choices on her own.
Calories
While your 1-year old does need a certain number of calories to grow, trying to get him to eat more than he needs could result in unhealthy weight gain. Restricting calories could lead to failure to thrive and problems meeting developmental milestones. The average toddler needs about 1,000 calories each day, delivered in three meals and 2 to 3 snacks. Most of these calories should come from healthy foods that are nutrient dense. The occasional treat won't hurt your child and will teach her that indulging once in awhile is okay.
Serving Size
A 1-year old's stomach is much smaller than yours, which means his serving sizes are going to be smaller than yours. The general rule is to give him one tablespoon of each item you are serving. If he is still hungry, offer a little more after that. By keeping his portions at an age-appropriate amount, you promote eating a moderate amount of food at mealtime. Toddlers often skip meals, so don't push him to eat more than he wants or you may set him up for eating more than he needs and not being able to read his hunger cues accurately -- which could lead to weight gain down the road.
Food Groups
The best way to ensure that your 1-year old is getting the nutrients she needs to grow is to offer plenty of foods from each food group. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, dairy foods and healthy fats. The Food Guide Pyramid recommendations begin at age 2, but using the guidelines allow you to begin getting your child accustomed to eating in a healthy manner. Be a model for good eating habits by preparing healthy meals and eating them with your 1-year old.
Milk
One of the most important items to include in your 1-year old's meal plan is cow's milk. It offers the calories and fats he needs to grow. At this age, your toddler should be consuming 16 to 24 oz. of milk every day. Offer milk with snacks and meals to make it easier for your child to reach this recommendation. Most pediatricians recommend serving whole milk until your child reaches his second birthday, at which point you may be able to switch to low-fat versions.
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