How to Provide a Healthy Toddler Diet

How to provide a healthy toddler diet

How to provide a healthy toddler diet

Toddler
Article
Sep 22, 2020
2 mins

A healthy toddler diet now can set your little one up for a lifetime of healthy eating. Here are some nutrition building blocks for the best food for toddlers.

  • Avoid too much sugar, salt or saturated fats
  • Offer a variety of foods, to train your toddler’s taste buds
  • Aim for 2-3 portions of milk and dairy (or suitable plant-based substitutes) a day.
  • Aim for 5-7 portions of fruits and vegetables a day. They can be fresh, frozen, raw, cooked, canned, juiced or even dried.
  • Aim for 2-3 portions of lean meat for toddlers a day, or fish or vegetarian protein alternatives.
  • Aim for 3-4 portions of starchy carbohydrates a day. Keep the portions small as carbs can be very filling.
  • Remember that toddler-sized servings are much smaller than adults’. A serving of bread for a one to two-year-old is around half a slice, and a serving of meat is around 30g (1oz)—that’s about a third of your palm.
  • Give your toddler more food if he shows you that he’s hungry. Just don’t overload his plate with too much at the start.
  • Choose unsaturated fats from vegetable sources (e.g. rapeseed or olive oil) instead of foods deep-fried in trans or saturated fats, such as chicken nuggets or fries.
  • Serve in appropriate sizes and texture—whole carrots and whole grapes are potential choking hazards. Grapes should be cut up in half lengthwise, and carrots should be cooked soft and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Growing minds and bodies use up their reserves quickly. Keep your toddler topped up with 1-2 healthy snacks a day.
  • Aim for 6-8 drinks a day. Water and unflavored milk (or plant-based alternatives like soya or rice milk) are best. Avoid fizzy drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages.
  • Some health authorities recommend giving babies and toddlers vitamin D supplements, as it can be difficult getting enough from sunlight and diet alone. Speak to your healthcare provider for advice.
  • If you think you’ve got a picky eater, read our checklist on how to help.

Source:

http://smababy.co.uk/toddler/healthy-diet-for-toddlers

Related articles

View details The Importance Of Vegetables In Your Child's Diet
Article
The Importance Of Vegetables In Your Child's Diet

The Importance Of Vegetables In Your Child's Diet

Vegetables are one of the main food groups that your child should have in his diet.

2 mins to read

View details Your growing toddler – What to expect beyond 1000 days
Article
Your growing toddler – What to expect beyond 1000 days

Your growing toddler – What to expect beyond 1000 days

Look back at the healthy habits you’ve encouraged, which have helped your toddler grow so far, and look forward to the exciting developments to come.

6 mins to read

View details How to handle toddler sleep problems
Article
How to Handle Toddler Sleep Problems

How to handle toddler sleep problems

You know they’re tired, but they refuse to listen—and try as you will, the land of nod seems but a distant dream.

2 mins to read

View details Travelling With Baby
Article
Travelling With Baby

Travelling With Baby

Going away with your baby gives you the opportunity to spend time with your family and enjoy their company. To make your trip a success, good preparation and organization are essential.

2 mins to read

View details Smart snacking guide for toddlers
Article
Smart snacking guide for toddlers

Smart snacking guide for toddlers

In order to meet his nutritional and energy needs, your toddler may need to eat between his main meals.

4 mins to read

View details Healthy eating habits start now
Article
 Healthy eating habits start now

Healthy eating habits start now

Did you know? Your baby’s dietary patterns are set before his second birthday.

6 mins to read

View details 10 healthy habits to carry on
Article
10 healthy habits to carry on

10 healthy habits to carry on

Breastfeed your baby; Make physical activity part of her daily routine; Help her to get enough sleep; Introduce the right foods at the right time; Prepare food safely; Don’t forget water; Encourage

10 mins to read

View details Terrible twos coming up? How to deal with toddler tantrums
Article
How to Deal with Toddler Tantrums

Terrible twos coming up? How to deal with toddler tantrums

Now they’re walking and talking, your toddler’s asserting their independence more and more every day, as well as developing a strong willpower!

2 mins to read

View details Questioning authority
Article
Questioning authority

Questioning authority

Children over 15 months have acquired a sense of independence that is shown by rebellious moments, which will happen more frequently. 

3 mins to read

View details Your toddler menu planner
Article
toddler-menu-planner

Your toddler menu planner

Wondering what and how much you should be serving at mealtimes?

1 min to read

View details Common weaning foods and the risk of allergy
Article
Common weaning foods and the risk of allergy

Common weaning foods and the risk of allergy

Learn more about foods which are least allergenic, and which foods can cause allergic reactions in your child.

1 min to read

View details Baby Self Feeding – Time for Independence
Article
Baby Self Feeding – Time for Independence

Baby Self Feeding – Time for Independence

Now that your 10-12-month-old is really getting the hang of feeding himself, keep offering him a wide variety of foods and textures to establish good, healthy eating habits.

5 mins to read

View details Tips on planning a toddler birthday party
Article
Toddler Birthday Party Tips

Tips on planning a toddler birthday party

Planning a one-year-old’s birthday party can be surprisingly tricky.

3 mins to read

View details Little injuries
Article
Little injuries

Little injuries

Your baby’s small injuries: Small injuries may play a part in your baby’s daily life. The best solution is always to seek your doctor’s advice. 

4 mins to read

View details How to provide a balanced diet for your toddler
Article
How to provide a balanced diet for your toddler

How to provide a balanced diet for your toddler

It’s easy to fall into bad habits when preparing food for your toddler. Find out how some simple swaps and small changes can make his meals and mini meals healthier.

4 mins to read

View details Toddler stay home activities: Happy playtime ideas for your 12-18-month-old
Article
Toddler stay home activities

Toddler stay home activities: Happy playtime ideas for your 12-18-month-old

Here are five activity ideas to keep your increasingly mobile one-year-old entertained during this extraordinary period.

4 mins to read

View details Discover how MOs work for your child’s immunity
Article
5mo-article

Discover how MOs work for your child’s immunity

As a parent, you want to protect your child now and in the future. That includes shaping his or her immune system to make it strong.


       

4 mins to read

View details A guide to family meals for toddlers
Article
A Guide to Family Meals for Toddlers

A guide to family meals for toddlers

Wondering how you can enjoy family meals for toddlers? Eating together is a lovely way to bring everyone together and to teach your toddler about healthy eating.

2 mins to read

View details The Importance Of Eating Together
Article
The Importance Of Eating Together

The Importance Of Eating Together

Many health professionals think that an enjoyable shared meal is an important aspect in good health.

2 mins to read

Join Nestlé Baby Club

  Join Nestlé Baby Club

Parenting peace of mind, just a click away. Get your personal weekly advice and solutions via email.

Learn About Nutrition Parenting - Baby and me Nestle Singapore

Learn about nutrition & parenting

Sample - Baby and me Nestle Singapore

Enjoy samples, gifts and great deals

Get-Help - Baby and me Nestle Singapore

Get help & answers you need in no time