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Toddlers - Feeding and Nutrition

The best way to feed your toddler is to try to maintain a regular routine. You should provide 3 full meals, and two or three small snacks. You should work these feedings into your toddler's schedule according to his or her regular nap times.

Always provide nutritious foods, and never give your toddler junk food or empty calories. Don't force feed your toddler. Let him or her tell you when they are full. Avoid giving main meals just before a nap, because your child will likely be too tired.

Whenever you can, eat with your toddler, and eat the foods you want them to eat. This will encourage them to try new things, and stick with healthy foods even if they're not crazy about them. You can even express how much you are enjoying the foods to help convince your toddler how good they are. Always keep track of what your toddler has eaten and watch for any signs of allergies.

Every day, you should offer your toddler foods from the four food groups. This includes carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, dairy and high protein foods. As for liquids, 7 small drinks over the course of a day is about right. If it is very hot, give your toddler a little more than that. Try to eliminate the use of bottles and start using cups as soon as possible to avoid tooth decay and damage to enamel. Between meals, offer milk or water. Limit fruit juices to meal time and try diluting them to avoid too much sugar exposure.

There are certain foods you should limit. These include:

-sweet and fatty foods

-salty foods

-chocolate or candy

-oily fish

-foods high in fiber

-sweeteners

-nuts (especially if there is an allergy in the family)

The following foods should be avoided completely:

-raw or undercooked eggs and shellfish

-large fish that live a long time (ie. swordfish)

-whole nuts

-tea or coffee

-carbonated drinks

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