1. No Diets Please
Toddlers need fat in order to grow properly and maintain their high energy levels. When you give them their meals, you don't want to present them with low calorie versions. For example, toddlers should only have whole milk unless otherwise advised by your pediatrician. Generally, toddlers need 30 percent of their calories from fat. Most nutritional guidelines for toddlers, ages 1 to 3, recommend they eat between 1000 to 1300 calories a day. A nutritionist will also suggest that the child gets 16 grams or more of protein. Your doctor may adjust recommendations if your toddler is underweight or extremely overweight.
2. Remember the Vitamins
Nutritional requirements for toddlers include a healthy supply of vitamins and minerals to maintain proper growth and development. Nutritionists recommend 40mg of Vitamin C, 400 micrograms of Vitamin A, 10mg of iron, 10mg of zinc, and 50 micrograms of folate. Many nutritionists and pediatricians also suggest a healthy intake of 800mg of calcium.
3. Toddler Nutritional Requirements From Food
Different food items can help you meet the nutritional requirements recommended for the toddler age group. A variety of foods contain enough calories, fat, vitamins and minerals to keep your child healthy. Since the calcium requirement is high, 800mg, you'll want to offer a variety of milks, cheeses and yogurts. When you give fruits and vegetables to your child, you help them get enough Vitamin A and C. Give meats, beans, and peanut butter for sufficient iron and protein in their diet. You'll also want to give them grain products, like breads and cereals, to increase their iron and folate intake.
4. Sizing Up Toddler Serving Sizes
Although you want to make sure you meet a toddler's nutritional requirements, you have to take into consideration the differences in the way they eat. For each year of age, one tablespoon measures out as one toddler serving. Furthermore, a toddler serving measures at about 1/4 to 1/3 of a normal sized adult portion. Also, many toddlers don't like to eat three square meals a day. Ideally, if you can get them to eat two bigger meals and one small meal each day, you're in good shape. As long as their getting enough calories to meet their nutritional requirements, you should not worry.
5. The Hidden Dangers
If your toddler doesn't meet his daily nutritional requirements, he can face a variety of health problems. Toddlers can develop anemia from a lack of proper iron intake. Toddlers with anemia tire easily and may appear pale. When a toddler has a zinc deficiency, their senses are affected and they may suffer from a reduced appetite. If your toddler doesn't eat right, he may experience poor growth rates. With a picky eater, ask your doctor for food recommendations or about possibly giving your child a supplement.
