Feeding & Meals for Toddlers

"Good food is essential for a child's growth, learning, and happiness; it's the fuel that powers their incredible journey." — Unknown

After a baby turns one, their diet should transition from primarily breast milk or formula to a wider variety of solid foods, including cow's milk, which is crucial for their bone development due to its calcium and vitamin D content.
A toddler's diet should include a mix of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats) and micronutrients (calcium, iron, vitamins A, C, D, folate, and zinc) to support growth, development, and overall health.
Appropriate portion sizes for toddlers should be smaller than adult portions, and parents should observe and respect their child’s hunger and fullness cues to promote healthy eating habits.
Create a calm, distraction-free mealtime environment which helps toddlers focus on eating and recognizing their hunger and fullness cues, fostering a positive relationship with food.
Toddlers need iron-rich foods to prevent iron deficiency, especially if they are drinking cow's milk, which can interfere with iron absorption. Balancing milk intake with iron-rich foods like lean meats and beans is crucial.
Minimizing the intake of sugary and overly processed foods helps in establishing healthy eating habits.

Gradually introduce milk. Start by replacing one feeding of breast milk or formula with cow's milk. Gradually increase the proportion of cow's milk mixed with breast milk or formula over time, aiming for 16-20 ounces of whole milk per day.
Encourage self-feeding by providing a variety of solid foods, enhancing independence and fine motor skills. Use a cup with a straw or an open cup to help transition from bottle feeding.
Balance meals with snacks by offering three balanced meals and two snacks daily.
Monitor portion sizes by using smaller plates designed for toddlers.
Identify hunger and fullness cues by paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues that indicate your toddler is full, such as slowing down, playing with food, or turning their head away. Trust these cues to avoid overeating.
Continue to expose your toddler to varied textures such as soft, crunchy, hot, cold, and room temperature, to enhance their sensory experiences and acceptance of diverse foods.
Maintain regular and consistent meal times and routines that promote better digestion, appetite regulation, and a sense of security and predictability for your toddler.
Engage your toddler in simple meal preparation tasks, such as washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or setting the table.