Nutritious Foods for Toddlers

Parents struggle to feed toddlers nutritious meals, but with creativity and extra preparation, it's not that hard. Allowing children to graze and eat from smaller dishes also helps.

Expert Insight

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children 1 to 3 years old need about 40 calories every day for every inch of their height.

Types

Dr. Sears (see References) suggests giving toddlers varieties of foods every day, such as boiled eggs, carrots, avocados, cheese, apples, bananas and broccoli. If toddlers want a sauce to dip their food in, provide them with peanut butter, cottage cheese, yogurt or guacamole.

Effects

Dr. Sears says that when toddlers eat nutritious foods, their behavior improves. He recommends allowing toddlers to graze, or eat small portions of healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables.

Considerations

Cut or dice food in order to prevent choking.

Potential

Breastfed babies experience a variety of tastes, based on their mother's diet. Formula fed-babies experience only one taste and are therefore more likely to reject new tastes.

Fun Fact

Toddlers like interesting food. Cut food in neat shapes or decorate it. Place food in unusual containers, like muffin tins.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Dr. Sears