Toddler nutrition
Toddler nutrition is the description of the dietary needs of toddlers (aged one to two years old).
Importance of nutrition[edit | edit source]
Food provides the energy and nutrients that toddlers need to be healthy. An adequate intake in nutrient rich food is good nutrition. A diet lacking essential calories, minerals, fluid and vitamins could be considered 'bad' nutrition.
Nutrition needs[edit | edit source]
Nutrition needs are different for toddlers.
Vitamins and minerals[edit | edit source]
- Your child needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to grow healthy and strong.
- Vitamin D, iron, and zinc are three important ones.
Breast milk[edit | edit source]
For a baby, breast milk is best and it has all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Weaned from breast milk[edit | edit source]
- Toddlers typically have been weaned from breast milk and infant formula.
- Though infants usually start eating solid foods between 4 and 6 months of age, more and more solid foods are consumed by a growing toddler.
- If a food introduced one at a time, a potential allergen can be identified.
Vegetables and fruits[edit | edit source]
- Offer toddlers a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives.
Prevention of choking[edit | edit source]
- Have your toddler sit at a table for meals and snacks and not wander around with food in their mouth.
- Foods such as hot dogs, candy, nuts and seeds, raw carrots, grapes, popcorn, and chunks of peanut butter can be choking risks.
Tips[edit | edit source]
- When deciding on foods and beverages, choose options that are full of nutrients and lower in sodium and avoid added sugars.
- Avoid foods and beverages with added sugars and choose those with lower sodium.
Drinks[edit | edit source]
- Did you know the only beverages your toddler needs are water, milk, and, if available, breastmilk
- Avoid drinks with added sugars like soda, flavored milks, juice drinks, and sports drinks.
Try new foods[edit | edit source]
- Try serving a new food alongside a familiar food in the same meal.
- It may take up to 8-10 tries for a child to accept a new food.
Serve safe food[edit | edit source]
- Help your child learn to wash their hands before eating.
- Only serve foods that have been cooked properly and avoid serving your toddler unpasteurized (raw) juice or milk.
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