However, it’s a good idea to limit added sugars in other foods as much as possible. Sweet foods such as cookies or ice cream can be part of an overall healthy diet. However, since toddlers are still growing and developing their taste preferences, it's best to offer the following nutrients in moderation.Īdded sugar. Most toddlers can handle the same foods the rest of the family is eating as long as they are served in a safe way. Look for fortified plant-based milk or yogurt, tofu and beans. Many toddlers eat dairy products such as cow’s milk and yogurt to meet their needs, but calcium can be found in plant-based sources as well. It can be tricky to obtain via food and may be worth supplementing.Ĭalcium, along with vitamin D, is a must for growing healthy bones. Long known to be important for bone development, emerging research suggests vitamin D also plays a critical role in the immune system. Fiber helps prevent constipation, builds a healthy gut microbiome as well as helps balance blood sugar. Since omega-3s are widely found in seafood, which may or may not be enjoyable for your toddler, look for other sources such as fortified milk, eggs or even a supplement.Īim to include fiber in as many meals and snacks as possible. Healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids help support optimal brain development. Most toddlers get plenty of protein in their diet. ![]() Most typically developing children can meet their needs through food alone with these practices.Īdequate protein helps fuel growth in toddlers and comes from many different sources in the diet including meat, dairy products, beans, and whole grains. Rather than getting caught up in the exact amounts of nutrients your child needs, we recommend offering food at regular intervals and serving a variety of different foods. Toddlers need a variety of nutrients to support their rapid growth and development including protein, fat, iron, and calcium. Trust that they know what their body needs and understand that factors such as illness, sleep (or lack of!), distractions, and new or unfamiliar environments may impact eating. Try not to be discouraged if your child’s appetite varies day to day - and even from meal to meal. Follow your child’s hunger and fullness cues and allow them to determine what and how much food they’d like to eat from what is offered. If you haven’t already started, toddlerhood is the perfect time to begin practicing responsive feeding. ![]() Even picky eaters can get all the nutrition they need from food in most cases. Offering a balanced, varied diet is one of the best ways to ensure your child is getting enough of what they need. Toddlers need a variety of food and nutrients to help them grow and thrive. Keep reading for some quick information on toddler nutrition as well as a bunch of easy meal and snack ideas you can whip up in no time. Toddlers should eat roughly every 2 - 3 hours - that’s a lot of meals and snacks! It can seem overwhelming to balance family-friendly meals with the desire to feed children the healthy food they need to grow. If you feel like feeding your toddler is as much work as a full-time job, you’re not alone.
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