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Last Updated: Apr 28th, 2010 - 22:06:40 |
Feeding Toddlers
By Christine Steendahl
Oct 5, 2008, 02:03
Suggestions for feeding your toddler.
When kids reach 2 years of age, it is time to start giving them homogenized whole cow’s milk. Two healthy, low fat alternatives to whole milk are skim and 2%.
The child’s diet should also closely resemble the diet of other family members. A toddler's diet needs to include three meals per day and two nutritious snacks (fruits and veggies are good snacking options).
Milk and dairy products should be limited to about 16oz each day and 100% fruit juice to about 4-6 oz each day.
A healthy diet includes a variety of foods and food groups. When children are switching to eating whole foods, you need to use good judgment.
Foods for a toddler should be selected based on the USDA
guidelines. Children older than age 2 have a guideline for nutrition from the US Department of Agriculture.
The food pyramid focuses on the five major food groups. A good nutritionally sound program involves a combination of these food groups.
The basic make up of the 5 food groups include:
1) grain group servings which include 1 slice of bread, 1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta, 1/2 cup of cooked cereal and one ounce of ready to eat cereal.
*6 servings is an appropriate amount of grain for your child.
2) Vegetable group servings include 1/2 cup of chopped or raw vegetables, or 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables.
*Three servings a day, from this group, is what your child should consume.
3) Fruit group servings include 1 piece of fruit or melon wedge, 3/4 cup of 100% fruit juice, 1/2 cup of canned fruit, or 1/4 cup of dried fruit.
*Your child should eat two servings per day from this food group.
4) One serving from the milk group for example is 1 cup of milk or yogurt, or 2 oz. of cheese.
*Be sure to provide your child with at least 2 servings from this food group.
There are children who cannot process dairy products. If your child experiences stomach discomfort from consuming lactose, they may prefer yogurt or hard cheeses, like cheddar.
These items are easier to digest. Drinking more milk with meals and snacks is another great option. Lactose intolerant people can find lactose reduced products in many grocery stores.
Consult with your child's physician or a registered dietitian if the condition persists.
5) A serving in the meat group is two to three ounces of cooked poultry, fish or lean meat or 1/2 cup of cooked beans. You can replace one ounce of meat with two tablespoons of peanut butter or one egg.
*Your child should eat 2 servings from this group. As children become toddlers, their appetite may decrease. As they grow they become picky eaters. You really don't have to worry so long as you help your child stay at a healthy weight and maintain a normal activity level.
When considering your child's overall health, daily nutrition is an important part. Eating properly can prevent many medical problems, like diabetes, obesity, and even weak bones. You can make sure that your toddler grows to his/her full potential if you follow the USDA guidelines.
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