There is no set age that infants turn into toddlers, but typically it is when they learn to walk, and children 1 and 2 years old are considered toddlers. During the toddler stage, a lot of growth, learning and development go on, which is why nutrition is important physically and why it is a great time to lay the foundations of healthy eating. Remember that toddlers are notoriously picky eaters, so do not stress about the caloric requirements, just try to teach what a healthy diet is by providing foods that will meet your child's nutritional needs.
Toddler Caloric Needs
An average toddler requires 40 calories for each inch of height a day. The American Pediatric Association recommends starting with a base of 900 calories a day from age 1 to 2, and 1,000 calories a day from age 2 to 3. These numbers are for sedentary, or relatively inactive, children. Moderately active children require an additional 200 calories a day. Children who are very physically active require 200 to 400 extra calories a day to meet their needs.
Food Groups for Toddlers
It is recommended that toddlers have the equivalent of 3 oz. of grains a day, with half of those being whole grains. The recommended amount of vegetables is 1 cup of raw or cooked vegetables a day. Fresh, frozen or canned fruit or 100 percent juice can be used to fulfill the 1 cup a day recommendation. The recommended amount of milk and dairy is 2 cups a day, being sure if the toddler is under 2 it is whole milk or full-fat milk products. The recommended amount of meat or beans is 2 oz. a day. Oils should be limited to a maximum of 3 tsp. a day.
Toddler Serving Size
As a rule, consider a toddler serving to be 1 tbsp. for each year of age, or a quarter of an adult serving for each year of age. To keep the recommended servings a day in perspective, an ounce serving of grains is equal to one slice of bread or 1/4 cup cooked rice or pasta. If using beans to fulfill the protein recommendations, 1/4 cup of cooked beans is equal to an ounce of meat, poultry or fish. Keep in mind that food specifically catered to toddlers tends to be high in saturated fats and sugars. Focus on offering your toddler the same number of servings from each food group as you are eating, in smaller serving sizes.
Picky Eaters
Keep in mind that some toddlers will require a food to be given up to 10 times before trying it. Do not make a big deal about their food choices, let your toddler choose from what is on the table, it is OK if they have the same thing every day, just keep introducing new foods one a a time. Minimize the amount of snacks and sweets so they do not fill up on unhealthy foods. Attempt to lead by example, if you eat a healthy diet your toddler is more likely to follow you. Remember to try not to stress about the numbers, healthy toddlers will eat when they are hungry, normally eating enough to serve their nutritional needs.
References
- University of Illinois Urban Extension: Ages & Stages -- Toddlers
- Pediatric Association of Franklin: A Nutriton Guide for Your Toddler
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Policy Statement: Dietary Recommendations for Children and Adolescents
- American Dietetic Assocaition: Size-Wise Nutrition for Toddlers
- WholesomeToddlerFood: Using the Food Pyramid to Feed Your Toddler
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