Food For Pregnant Women
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
Healthy eating habits are set early in life
By two years of age, dietary patterns of children start to become established.
1 min to read
10 Healthy snacks for young children
Smart Snacking For Kids
3 mins to read
6 Fun Activities For Toddlers
Toddler Activities: Indoor & Outdoor Games
2 mins to read
7 Activities To Develop Your Child’s Social Skills
How Can I Help My Toddler Build His Social Skills?
2 mins to read
How To Spot Your Kid’s Talent?
Recognizing Your Little One's Abilities
2 mins to read
Risks Of Iron Deficiency
Iron-Deficiency Anemia And Your Child
2 mins to read
Top Allergy Triggers In Children
Watch Out For These Common Allergy Factors!
2 mins to read
Activities To Explore Taste For Toddlers
Sense Of Taste Activities
2 mins to read
Tips To Raise An Independent Child
How Can I get My Kid To Be More Independent?
2 mins to read
When Will The Doctor Prescribe An Antibiotic To Your Child?
Antibiotics And Your Child
3 mins to read
How To Deal With Toddler Vomit?
Treating Vomiting In Toddlers
2 mins to read
Cerelac Fruits Puree
Natural goodness squeezed with love.
1 min to read
It’s all natural and nothing else.
Did you know that no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives go into your baby’s CERELAC? Read the article to know more.
1 min to read
Playing is good for the body and mind!
Baby loves playing, romping around and running all over the place and is never tired. How can I channel my little one's energy by encouraging them?
3 mins to read
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
HMOs: the third most abundant solid component in breast milk, to support your child's immune system
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
Toddler tummy problems
Painful toddler tummy problems, including toddler diarrhea and toddler constipation, are horrible for parents and babies alike.
2 mins to read
Discover new range of Cerelac infant cereal with No Added Sugars
Discover Cerelac infant cereals "No Added Sugars":
1 min to read
Your Toddler’s nutrition from 12 to 24 months
As you probably already know, Toddlers are incredibly active and energetic! For their body size, Toddlers need to make every bite count with nutritious meals and snacks.
7 mins to read
