In the toddler years, your child is learning how to feed himself and is likely showing more independence. He can eat the same food as the rest of the family, just cut into smaller pieces. Kids Health states that he needs 1,000 to 1,400 calories a day depending on his activity level. For proper growth and development, most of those calories need to come from nutritious sources.
Protein and Grains
Your toddler needs about 3 oz. of whole grains a day, according to Babycenter. Sources of whole grains include bread, cereal and pasta. She also needs 2 oz. of protein sources a day, such as red meat, poultry, beans and legumes. Eggs and tofu are also good sources of protein.
Fruits and Vegetables
During the toddler years, your child needs 1 cup each of fruits and vegetables each day. Try offering small pieces of fruits like raspberries, strawberries, apples, peaches, pears, watermelon and bananas. Cook vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, green beans and sweet potatoes so that they are soft. You can also offer a cup of 100 percent fruit juice to count towards a daily serving of fruit.
Dairy
Your toddler can satisfy her dairy requirements by having 2 cups of milk a day. Before she is 2 years old, she needs to drink whole milk, which contains the fat that she needs for brain development. After the age of 2 years, she can have milk with reduced fat. Other sources of dairy include cheese and yogurt.
Considerations
Minimize your toddler's consumption of unhealthy foods, which can fill him up and leave less room for nutritious options. According to the American Dietetic Association, a toddler serving size is one-quarter to one-half of an adult serving size. You can also remember his serving size by giving him a 1-tbsp. serving for each year of his life. For example, if he is 2 years old, a serving of rice will be about 2 tbsp. Watch your toddler while he is eating for cues that he is satisfied.
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