4 eating tips for toddlers (& a healthy banana muffin recipe!) (2024)

FAQs

What foods should toddlers eat in their diet? ›

The best foods for toddlers include: Protein foods like meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds and soy. Dairy such as milk, yogurt, cheese or calcium-fortified soymilk. Fruits and vegetables.

Toddler appetites vary from day to day. Suggested daily serves are 1 serve of fruit; 2½ serves of vegies; 1½ serves of dairy; 4 serves of grains; and 1 serve of lean meats, eggs, nut or seed pastes (like peanut butter, almond butter or tahini), or legumes.

As a guide, your child should eat these foods every day: 2 to 3 years: 1 serve of fruit; 2½ serves of vegetables; 4 serves of grains; 1 serve of meat/poultry; 1½ serves of dairy. 4 to 8 years: 1½ serves of fruit; 4½ serves of vegetables; 4 serves of grains; 1 ½ serves of meat/poultry; 1½ to 2 serves of dairy.

Give your toddler healthy choices as they explore new foods and flavors. Toddlers are learning to feed themselves and to eat new foods during this important time of growth and development. Young children have small stomachs and are learning what foods they like and dislike. So, make every bite count!

While a large number of children will transition away from diapers between 18 months and 2.5 years old, that doesn't mean that all of them do, and that isn't a bad thing. Parents often start to worry when their kiddos don't follow the schedules outlined in parenting books.

Healthy snacks can help balance out an uneven diet. Snacks can boost the nutrients your toddler gets when you serve fruits, veggies, whole grains, dairy, and protein foods.

Most toddlers from 12 to 23 months need anywhere from 700 to 1,000 calories per day. Use this guide to find out what and how much to feed your toddler. Don't worry if your child eats more or less than the amounts suggested – they're meant as general guidelines.

Experts commonly use the word toddler when babies turn 1 year of age. The toddler age range usually runs from 1 year to 3 years of age, and before you know it, your little one will be a preschooler! Each of these stages brings its own exciting developmental milestones and learning curves for your child.

Although growth rates, metabolism, and activity levels vary from child to child, 13-month-olds need roughly 1,000 calories per day. These can come from three small meals and two snacks.

School-age children (ages 6 to 12) need healthy foods and nutritious snacks. They have a consistent but slow rate of growth and usually eat 4 to 5 times a day (including snacks). Many food habits, likes, and dislikes are set during this time.

How much protein does a 7-10 year old need? ›

For younger children, it breaks down by age: Children ages 4 to 9 need 19 grams of protein each day. Those between ages 9 and 13 need 34 grams. For adolescents, ages 14 to 18, it varies by gender: Boys need 52 grams and girls need 46 grams.

While picky eating is a normal phase for most toddlers, there's definitely a time and place to call the doctor. Your pediatrician can rule out or diagnose possible underlying causes for your little one not eating, such as gastrointestinal disorders, swallowing problems, constipation, food sensitivities, or autism.

A toddler who won't eat may simply be expressing a preference for certain foods or a fear of new ones. Sensory problems can also contribute. There are times, however, when a toddler refusing to eat could be a sign of a medical issue like a food sensitivity or viral illness.

Tips for parents of fussy eaters

The best way for your child to learn to eat and enjoy new foods is to copy you. Try to eat with them as often as you can. Give small portions and praise your child for eating, even if they only eat a little. If your child rejects the food, do not force them to eat it.

Obesity can result in lowered self-esteem, and perhaps depression. Some children who eat junk food are at risk of developing depression even without obesity. Depression in turn affects growth and development parameters, academic performance, and social relationships. It also results in a higher risk of suicide.