Toddler nutrition

Toddler nutrition is the description of the dietary needs of toddlers (aged one to two years old).

Importance of nutrition

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

Nutrition needs are different for toddlers.

Vitamins and minerals

• 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

For a baby, breast milk is best and it has all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Weaned from breast milk

• 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

• Offer toddlers a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives.

Prevention of choking

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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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