Healthy toddler diet

نظام غذائي صحي للأطفال الصغار

Food For Pregnant Women

Infant Development and Growth
Article
Mar 31, 2021
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 fruit and veg 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. 
     

Related articles

View details The how, what, when, and why of your toddler's gut immunity
Article
5protectionar

The how, what, when, and why of your toddler's gut immunity

  

3 mins to read

View details Discover new range of Cerelac infant cereal with No Added Sugars
Article
Cerelac

Discover new range of Cerelac infant cereal with No Added Sugars

Discover Cerelac infant cereals "No Added Sugars":

1 min to read

View details The right foods for self-feeding babies
Article
الطعام المناسب ليعتمد طفلك على نفسه في الأكل

The right foods for self-feeding babies

It’s important that you pay attention to the foods your baby eats on his own. They should be nutritious as well as easy to nibble on. Here’s everything you need to know.

1 min to read

View details Toddler Birthday Party Tips
Article
Toddler Birthday Party Tips

Toddler Birthday Party Tips

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

3 mins to read

View details Many children are afraid of new foods, preferring to eat foods they are used to
Article
بعض الأطفال يخشى كل جديد ويفضّل تناول ما اعتاد عليه!

Many children are afraid of new foods, preferring to eat foods they are used to

Don’t pressure children to eat, but don’t give up if they refuse to eat their greens!  Sometimes a child needs to try a new food as many as 8 times before enjoying it.

1 min to read

View details Early Signs Of Autism In Babies
Article
علامات التوحد المبكرة

Early Signs Of Autism In Babies

Learn More About The Early Warning Autism Symptoms!

3 mins to read

View details How To Rebuild Your Child’s Gut After Antibiotics?
Article
كيف تُقوّين مناعة طفلكِ بعد علاجٍ بالمضادات الحيوية؟

How To Rebuild Your Child’s Gut After Antibiotics?

Ways To Repair Your Kid's Gut Health After Antibiotics

2 mins to read

View details How does baby's brain develop from birth to 3 years?
Article
Babys first step

How does baby's brain develop from birth to 3 years?

It is unbelievable watching my baby learn new things! Each day brings new progress and rapid learning. An Einstein in the making, who knows?

1 min to read

View details 6 Fun Activities For Toddlers
Article
6 أنشطة ممتعة للأطفال ما بين العام الأول والثلاثة أعوام

6 Fun Activities For Toddlers

 Toddler Activities: Indoor & Outdoor Games

2 mins to read

View details Top Allergy Triggers In Children
Article
أبرز أسباب الحساسية عند الأطفال

Top Allergy Triggers In Children

Watch Out For These Common Allergy Factors!

2 mins to read

View details How To Deal With Toddler Vomit?
Article
How To Deal With Toddler Vomit?

How To Deal With Toddler Vomit?

Treating Vomiting In Toddlers

2 mins to read

View details CERELAC® is natural and nutritious
Article
CERELAC® is natural and nutritious

CERELAC® is natural and nutritious

From choosing ingredients to specialized packaging, we take great care to ensure your baby’s CERELAC® is all natural and nutritious. Read the article to learn more.

1 min to read

View details Potty training toddlers
Article
Potty training toddlers

Potty training toddlers

Wondering how to potty train or when to start potty training? Read our potty-training tips and tricks to help toddlers hit the spot.

2 mins to read

View details Advantages Of Home Cooking For Kids
Article
فوائد الطبخ المنزلي لأطفالك

Advantages Of Home Cooking For Kids

Benefits Of Home Cooked Meals For Kids And Family

2 mins to read

View details Activities To Enhance Your Child’s Motor Skills
Article
نشاطات مهمة لتعزيز قدرات الطفل الحركية

Activities To Enhance Your Child’s Motor Skills

Developing Motor Skills

2 mins to read

View details How your baby develops
Article
Baby holding mothers finger

How your baby develops

Pregnancy is an exciting time, full of changes and anticipation.

2 mins to read

View details Importance Of Calcium In Your Child’s Diet
Article
Importance Of Calcium In Your Child’s Diet

Importance Of Calcium In Your Child’s Diet

Calcium And Your Child

2 mins to read

View details What You Need To Know About Child Immunization
Article
What You Need To Know About Child Immunization

What You Need To Know About Child Immunization

Your Guide to Infant and Child Vaccines

3 mins to read

View details Iron Metabolism In Infants And Children
Article
كل ما تريدين معرفته عن أهمية الحديد واستقلابه عند الرضع والأطفال

Iron Metabolism In Infants And Children

Iron Metabolism In Early Childhood

3 mins to read

Get full access to expert-backed nutrition support

newspaper icon

My feed

Curated content based on your preferences 

medical expert icon

Feeding Guidance

Learn about various feeding options and what each means for you and your baby

corner border

Tailored Practical Tools

Try our tailored practical tools to guide you through the parenting journey.

letter icon

My First 1000 Days club

Customised notifications, reminders and newsletters