Proper nutrition during the toddler years is an important component of healthy growth and development. If your child eats a balanced diet from ages one to three, he or she may experience:
- Improved concentration
- Enhanced mood
- Stabilized energy
- Healthy body weight
Eating well from an early age can also help to set the foundation for healthy eating patterns later in life.
What should your toddler’s diet look like?
As toddlers learn to feed themselves and become more familiar with different flavors, textures and colors, it’s important to encourage them to enjoy a variety of foods from each of the food groups. According to the Cleveland Clinic, your mini-me should consume the following foods daily, at minimum:
- Two serving of meat (e.g., chicken, fish and lean meats; dry beans, peas and eggs also count)
- Three servings of dairy (e.g., milk, cheese and yogurt)
- Three to four servings of fats (e.g., butter, margarine and oils)
- Five servings of fruits and vegetables (can be raw or cooked; limit juice to four ounces)
- Six servings of grains (e.g., bread, crackers, cereal, rice and pasta)
Always cut your toddler’s food into small, bite-size pieces and keep an eye on him or her at snack- and mealtimes. Avoid feeding your little one hard, sticky and slippery foods that can cause choking, such as candy, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, whole grapes and large pieces of poultry or beef (e.g., hot dogs).
Picky eating and food allergies
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s best to serve toddlers food that is plain and easy to recognize. Many children this age do not like when their food is touching (e.g., peas jutting up against mashed potatoes) or mixed together (e.g., a casserole).
If your child doesn’t immediately embrace a particular food or food group, don’t despair. Kids may need to try new foods at least 10 times before accepting them. Never force your toddler to eat a food that he or she rejects; simply offer multiple options so they can select a preferred food and enjoy a sense of control. It’s also important for you to allow your toddler sufficient time to eat, involve them in meal planning and preparation and to model good eating behaviors for them.
As your toddler expands his or her culinary repertoire, keep an eye out for potential allergens. Some of the most common culprits include eggs, milk, nuts, wheat, fish, and shellfish and soybeans. Consult your child’s pediatrician if you suspect that he or she has a food allergy. If your child exhibits signs of a life-threatening emergency while eating (e.g. trouble breathing, throat swelling), call 9-1-1.
Dietary supplements for toddlers
Toddlers often don’t get all the nutrients they need from diet alone. Ask your child’s pediatrician if he or she can benefit from the following dietary supplements:
Multivitamins, like Flintstones Toddler Fruit Multivitamin Supplement, help support immune health and energy and the formation of strong teeth and bones. With fun shapes, fabulous fruity flavors and 15 essential vitamins, it’s no wonder they’re “pediatrician’s #1 choice children’s chewable vitamin brand!”
Probiotics, like Flora Toddler’s Probiotic, support the immune system and help kids maintain healthy intestinal flora. The raw, gluten-free formula contains six infant and toddler-specific strains of beneficial bacteria.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids, like Vitacost KidHealth Omega Fishies For Kids, may be associated with joint, vision, brain and heart health. A safer alternative to certain varieties of fish, which can contain large amounts of methylmercury, these fruit-flavored chewable softgels provide “a blend of two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA” and are free of artificial colors and flavors.
Calcium, like that found in L’il Critters Fun Swirled Flavors Calcium + D3 Bone Support, helps support strong bones. Two gummy bears, which are available in black cherry, strawberry and orange flavors, “contain as much calcium as a 5 oz. glass of milk”—plus they’re a good source of beneficial phosphorous!
Fiber, like that found in Zahler Chapter One™ Fiber Gummies, can help support digestive health and “help your child’s tummy feel fuller for longer.” These tasty gummies, which contain natural chicory root soluble fiber, “make it super simple to fill in the gaps of nutritional deficits, providing children with the boost they need for healthy growth and development.”
