Your one-year-old child is mastering new physical skills like walking and running, experimenting with a growing vocabulary and exploring the world around him. His diet should give him the energy to support growth and development. In addition to total caloric intake, pay close attention to the range of foods your child eats so he receives the recommended amounts of essential vitamins and minerals.
Calories
Your one-year-old child needs approximately 900 kilocalories per day. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), children can usually determine the number of calories they need each day. At this age, their needs may vary significantly from meal to meal. You should not force a child to finish a meal if she isn't hungry. Do not offer your child unhealthy foods simply because you want her to eat more calories. Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns or questions about your child's eating patterns.
Milk
Milk should be an important part of your child's diet because it is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D. Once your child reaches 12 months of age, you may transition him from breast milk or infant formula to cow's milk. Children under two years of age should drink whole milk rather than low-fat milk to receive sufficient dietary fats for brain development. Your one-year-old may drink up to 32 oz. of milk per day. Larger amounts may make him feel too full for solid foods.
Fruit and Vegetables
One-year-old children should eat a total of 1 cup of fruit each day and 3/4 cup of vegetables. Serving sizes for a one-year-old will be about 1/4 cup. Offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and don't be concerned if your child refuses new or unfamiliar foods. Continue to offer a fruit or vegetable at each meal. Limit fruit juice to 4 to 6 oz. per day.
Protein
A total of 1.5 oz of lean meat or beans per day covers your one-year-old's protein needs. The American Heart Association recommends that you introduce fish to your child at a young age. After the age of one, iron deficiency becomes more common in children. Meat is a good source of iron, as are poultry, fish, beans, soy products and fortified cereals.
Grains
Your one-year-old should consume about 2 oz. of grains per day. Choose whole grains which provide fiber, and avoid refined grain products.The AHA recommends that half of all servings of grain should be whole grains. You can continue to serve your child nonfortified infant cereal until age 18 to 24 months.
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