How to provide a healthy toddler diet
A healthy toddler diet now can set your little one up for a lifetime of healthy eating. Here are some nutrition building blocks for the best food for toddlers.
- Avoid too much sugar, salt or saturated fats
- Offer a variety of foods, to train your toddler’s taste buds
- Aim for 2-3 portions of milk and dairy (or suitable plant-based substitutes) a day.
- Aim for 5-7 portions of fruits and vegetables a day. They can be fresh, frozen, raw, cooked, canned, juiced or even dried.
- Aim for 2-3 portions of lean meat for toddlers a day, or fish or vegetarian protein alternatives.
- Aim for 3-4 portions of starchy carbohydrates a day. Keep the portions small as carbs can be very filling.
- Remember that toddler-sized servings are much smaller than adults’. A serving of bread for a one to two-year-old is around half a slice, and a serving of meat is around 30g (1oz)—that’s about a third of your palm.
- Give your toddler more food if he shows you that he’s hungry. Just don’t overload his plate with too much at the start.
- Choose unsaturated fats from vegetable sources (e.g. rapeseed or olive oil) instead of foods deep-fried in trans or saturated fats, such as chicken nuggets or fries.
- Serve in appropriate sizes and texture—whole carrots and whole grapes are potential choking hazards. Grapes should be cut up in half lengthwise, and carrots should be cooked soft and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Growing minds and bodies use up their reserves quickly. Keep your toddler topped up with 1-2 healthy snacks a day.
- Aim for 6-8 drinks a day. Water and unflavored milk (or plant-based alternatives like soya or rice milk) are best. Avoid fizzy drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Some health authorities recommend giving babies and toddlers vitamin D supplements, as it can be difficult getting enough from sunlight and diet alone. Speak to your healthcare provider for advice.
- If you think you’ve got a picky eater, read our checklist on how to help.
Source:
Related articles
Little injuries
Your baby’s small injuries: Small injuries may play a part in your baby’s daily life. The best solution is always to seek your doctor’s advice.
4 mins to read
How to provide a balanced diet for your toddler
It’s easy to fall into bad habits when preparing food for your toddler. Find out how some simple swaps and small changes can make his meals and mini meals healthier.
4 mins to read
Toddler stay home activities: Happy playtime ideas for your 12-18-month-old
Here are five activity ideas to keep your increasingly mobile one-year-old entertained during this extraordinary period.
4 mins to read
Discover how MOs work for your child’s immunity
As a parent, you want to protect your child now and in the future. That includes shaping his or her immune system to make it strong.
4 mins to read
A guide to family meals for toddlers
Wondering how you can enjoy family meals for toddlers? Eating together is a lovely way to bring everyone together and to teach your toddler about healthy eating.
2 mins to read
The Importance Of Eating Together
Many health professionals think that an enjoyable shared meal is an important aspect in good health.
2 mins to read
Raising a healthy eater: 14 ways to encourage healthy eating habits
The eating habits your toddler is developing now may stay with him as he gets older. It’s as much about the way you offer food as what you offer him.
11 mins to read
Toddler activities: Happy playtime ideas for your 18-24-month-old
Follow these five games to keep your toddler amused—and you sane—while you work from home.
5 mins to read
Eating Healthy With Kids – Setting Good Examples
Did you know? You’re a role model for your baby—what you eat and drink influences her choices.
3 mins to read
A to M of Nutrition
Learn what is important for your child’s nutrition, growth and development here, from A to Z!
9 mins to read
Why active play is good for your toddler
Did you know? Many two-year-olds spend too much time sitting still and don’t play outdoors every day.
3 mins to read
Is Partially Hydrolyzed Protein (PHP) suitable for your toddler?
Partially Hydrolyzed Protein (PHP) is a protein which has undergone a special process called hydrolysis.
2 mins to read
Lead by example by eating together with your toddler
Did you know? Being a good role model is the most effective way to get your toddler to try new food
5 mins to read
N to Z of Nutrition
Learn what is important for your child’s nutrition, growth and development here, from A to Z!
8 mins to read
Toddler milestones at 18-24 months
Your 18-24-month-old is learning new motor, language, and social skills every day. Here are some of the magical milestones you may see popping up on your social media feeds.
2 mins to read
What is Lactose Intolerance in Infants?
What is lactose?
3 mins to read
Introducing a cup is key to developing your toddler’s feeding skills
Your toddler has come a long way since that first spoonful of puree went in (and probably came straight back out again!).
9 mins to read
Dealing With Toddler Tantrums
Your toddler has a very strong desire to get things right.
6 mins to read
How to help your toddler sleep well
Even with a well-established regular bedtime routine, there may be times when your toddler’s sleep is disrupted.
5 mins to read
