Breast milk is the most nutritious food you can feed your infant. Once your baby reaches the toddler years, he might still be nursing, which continues to provide him with tiny doses of key nutrients. Breast milk should not be the main source of nutrition in your toddler's diet., however. A variety of nutritious foods will help supplement the vitamins and minerals he no longer receives from your breast milk.
Breastfeeding
While breastfeeding certainly supplies your toddler with small doses of nutrients, it is likely more about comfort and security than about hunger. Your toddler likely only nurses for short periods of time, and only once or twice throughout the day, so most of her nutrition must come from the foods she eats at mealtime and for snacks. A nutritious, well-balanced diet that includes a wide variety of healthy foods will promote healthy development and give your toddler the energy she needs to learn and play.
How Much
Your nursing toddler might not need as much food as you think to get the nutrients he needs. The breast milk he consumes during the day might boost his intake of certain nutrients, but not in large enough quantities to replace any servings of food. Aim to feed your toddler 3 to 5 ounces of grains, 1 to 1 1/2 cups of vegetables, 1 cup of fruits, 2 cups of milk and 2 to 4 ounces of lean meats. Spread these foods out across three meals and two snacks. Try to serve meals or snacks before offering breast milk to help encourage your toddler to get all the nutrients he needs from food.
Food Suggestions
Your toddler probably has certain likes and dislikes when it comes to what you offer her to eat. It is important to serve your toddler a variety of different foods because each supplies specific nutrients she needs for good health. Serve a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as berries, carrots, melon, apples, bell peppers, tomatoes and squash. Each color contains different nutrients that are no longer readily available in your breast milk, which also no longer contains enough calcium for your toddler's bones. Serve your toddler milk, cheese and yogurt to ensure that she gets enough of this important mineral. Milk also supplies a good dose of vitamin D for healthy bones. Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, beef and fish, will provide the protein and iron that your toddler needs but no longer gets in sufficient quantity from your breast milk. Include whole grains, such as cereal and oatmeal, in your toddler's diet as well.
Tips
Your toddler might not like everything you serve him the first time it appears on his plate. Keep offering him the same foods until he is willing to try them. Over time, he will learn to enjoy many flavors and tastes. Encourage your toddler to choose the fruits and vegetables that he likes and he may be more likely to eat them. Model healthy eating by filling up on what you are serving your toddler. He is more likely to eat nutritious foods if he sees you doing so as well. When you are ready to wean your toddler, he is unlikely to need additional food in his diet. Ask his pediatrician whether you should add a snack, particularly if he nurses during the day.
References
- KidsHealth: Nutrition Guide for Toddlers
- La Leche League International: Breastfeeding During Pregnancy
- No-Nonsense Nutrition for Your Baby's First Year; Annette B. Natow and Jo-Ann Heslin
