Infants and toddlers grow rapidly, and it's important that they get the best nutrition possible during this time. Their brains develop quickly, and their bodies gain strength to be able to walk, run and play. Proper nutrition will help ensure that your infant or toddler will get the best start in life.
Breast Milk for Infants
During the first year of life, infants need breast milk or fortified infant formula. Breast milk contains all of the vitamins and nutrients that your baby needs and provides immunity against certain illnesses. The Surgeon General recommends breast feeding your baby exclusively for the first six months before introducing solids. If you can't or choose not to breast feed your baby, infant formula is a good nutritional substitute. Cow's milk is not recommended for infants under 1 year old.
Introducing Solids
Your infant can begin eating solid foods when she is between 4 and 6 months old. The Surgeon General recommends nothing but breast milk before 6 months, but some doctors recommend starting solids at 4 months. Start by feeding your baby infant cereal. After cereal, begin feeding your baby mashed foods or prepared baby foods, such as banana, pears and applesauce. You can then introduce vegetables like carrots and peas. Starting solids too early can decrease the valuable nutrients your infant gets from breast milk or formula and can cause food allergies.
A Toddler at the Table
By the time he's a year old, your baby will be eating more like a "big person." He should have three nutritious meals and two healthy snacks per day, with three to four feedings of formula or breast milk in between. He may be taking drinks from a sippy cup; after about nine months he can have 2 oz. of real fruit juice diluted with an equal amount of water. While your new toddler can eat many of the same things you do, avoid sweets and processed foods. At this age, your baby can feed himself small chunks of food, such as cheese and vegetables that have been cooked until they're soft. Avoid adding extra salt or sugar to your baby's food.
Older Toddlers
After a year, you can switch your baby from breast milk or formula to cow's milk. Children under 2 years should not be given low-fat foods, including milk; fat is crucial to your toddler's development. By about 18 months, your toddler is probably eating almost everything the rest of your family does, but it's still important to limit salt and sugar in her diet. Limit drinks other than milk or water to pure fruit juice, and only give her 2 to 4 oz. per day.
Nutritional Needs
The most important thing to remember is to feed your toddler a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy. Lean meats help your toddler get enough protein, but avoid processed meats. Think color when it comes to feeding your toddler; his diet should include lots of colorful fruits and vegetables; these provide a variety of important nutrients. On average, your toddler should consume 3 to 5 oz. of grains per day, a cup to a cup and a half each of vegetables and fruits, 2 cups of milk and 3 to 5 oz. of protein sources, such as meat and beans.
Things to Avoid
Avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks. Never put your baby or toddler to bed with anything but water in a bottle; the liquid will pool in his mouth and can lead to tooth decay. Steer clear of choking hazards such as hot dogs and popcorn until your child is at least 4. Candy, cake and other sweets are full of sugar and provide no nutritional value, so limit these or avoid them altogether. Never give a baby under 1 year honey; it can cause botulism. Avoid peanuts, peanut butter and tree nuts until your child is older to reduce the risk of allergies. You should never put your infant or toddler on a low-fat or low-calorie diet without first consulting your pediatrician. Young children need fat and calories so that they can grow and thrive.
