Toddler Nutrition: 12 months – 2 years

• Adequate nutrition is necessary for toddlers to achieve their full growth and developmental potential

Transition to Table Food

• Introduce new table foods slowly and add only one food at a time.

• Finger foods can help in the transition from pureed foods to table foods.

• Nutritious snacks should be used instead of sweetened beverages, snack foods or desserts.

Toddlers and Preschoolers• Set a schedule.• Keep serving sizes “child friendly.”

– Rule of thumb = 1 tablespoon of food per year of age.

• Listen to children’s hunger cues.• Avoid forcing membership into the “clean-plate

club.”• Learn about the feeding relationship between

parents and child. • Lifetime eating habits and attitudes are formed

during these early years of childhood.

Nutrient Needs of Toddlers

• Appetite– Toddler’s growth rate slows, which results

in decreased appetite and interest in food.– It is important to understand a decreased

appetite is normal.– Toddlers can self-regulate their calorie

intake.

MyPyramid• Providing variety of foods by following

MyPyramid every day is best assurance of getting adequate calories, vitamins and minerals needed.

• Recommendations for MyPyramid are only for individuals 2 years and above.

• My Pyramid Plan based on 1,000 calories for toddler 2 years of age:– Grains – 3 ounces (1.5 ounces whole grains)– Vegetables – 1 cup (2 servings)– Fruit – 1 cup (2 servings)– Milk – 2 cups– Meat & Beans 2 ounces– Oils – 3 teaspoons daily– Extra Fats & Sugars - limited

Choking• Concern during transition from strained foods to

regular table foods.• Foods that are hard, tough to chew, small and round

or sticky are most often choked on, unless the shape or texture can be modified.

Hot dogs Whole grapesTough stringy meats Hard, raw vegetablesChunks of meat PopcornFish with bones Small or hard candiesPeanut butter Jelly beansNuts Gum Hard raw fruits Gummy textured candyMarshmallows Raisins

Preventing Overweight in Infants and Toddlers

• Avoid overfeeding.

• Do not force infants to eat.

• Wait until 4-6 months before adding solid foods.

• Limit juice to 3-4 ounces.

• Do not use food as a reward.

• Encourage physical activity.

Snacks• Important part of a balanced diet for a child. • Growing kids need extra energy during the day to support growth and development. • Planning can help ensure that snacks eaten will

be healthier ones. • Can cut down on feelings of hunger and less

likelihood of overeating at mealtimes. • Keep serving sizes in mind as well as nutrient

density. • Keep in mind to choose those that are low in fat,

added sugars and calories.

Healthy Snack Choices

• Low-fat milk• Low-fat yogurt with fruit• String cheese• Instant pudding made

with nonfat milk• Frozen fruit bars• Fresh fruit• Individual servings of

applesauce or fruit• Raisins

• Cut-up fresh vegetables with low-fat salad dressing

• Baby carrots• Graham crackers• Pretzels• Dry cereal• Vanilla wafers• Animal crackers• Plain popcorn

Picky! Picky!! Picky!!!– Relax. Picky eating is often a normal phase. – Kids sometimes need 10 or more exposures

to a food before they will take their first bite.– Recognize importance of family meals.– Kids need positive role models for healthy

eating and physical activity.– Prepare foods in a variety of ways.

Picky! Picky!! Picky!!!

– Involve kids in food-related activities.– Catch kids when they are hungry.– Make sure there are plenty of healthy choices

available.– Encourage kids to drink water when thirsty.– Keep regular checks on growth.– Daily multivitamin/mineral supplement??