As your baby enters the toddler years and begins to make the transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods, it's important that he consume the right amount of calories for his age and activity level. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's equally important that those calories provide sufficient nutrients for your toddler.
Considerations
Toddlers need approximately 1,000 to 1,400 calories each day, depending on size, age and activity level, according to the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The lower end of the scale is for younger, less active toddlers. The calorie requirement increases for older toddlers and for those who are less sedentary.
Distribution
Protein should account for 5 to 20 percent of a toddler's daily calories, advises the Mayo Clinic. Carbohydrates should make up 45 to 65 percent, and total fat 30 to 40 percent. A toddler should consume approximately 1,000 mg of sodium each day, 19 g of fiber and 500 mg of calcium.
Significance
The calorie recommendations for toddlers provided by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans are for average children 2 and 3 years of age. For toddlers between 12 and 24 months, the recommendations for age 2 can serve as a guide, along with the advice of your child's doctor.
Warning
Every child is different, and nutritional guidelines are only averages. Don't stress over meeting exact requirements every day. You should strive to offer a wide variety of nutritious foods to your toddler on a regular basis.
Features
Fat should not be restricted for toddlers below the age of 2, recommends the National Institutes of Health. A good source of fat is whole milk after age 1 and low-fat milk after age 2 or 3. The NIH also advises that you not feed your baby eggs, honey, cow's milk or citrus fruits and juices until after age 1, and avoid peanuts and seafood until after age 2 or 3.
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