How much should your toddler eat?
- One year old: one teaspoon at a time of cereal, pureed fruit, cooked meat, cooked vegetables, one egg and milk or dairy products in portions of ½ a cup at a time.
- Two years old: two tablespoons at a time of different foods.
- Three years old: should have three tablespoons at a time of different food.
- Your toddler is more active year by year and needs more solids to sustain him during a busy day.
- Meal-to-meal appetite changes are normal.
- It is important that you don't force your toddler to clean his plate.
- Carbohydrates
- Fruits and vegetables
- Protein
- Dairy products
Food group | Portion size | Daily serving |
Carbohydrates
|
¼ to a ½ slice of bread |
3-4 |
Fruits and vegetables
|
Vegetables – ¼ - 1/3 cup raw and cooked chopped and mixed
Fruit - ¼ - ½ small fruit
|
4-5 |
Protein
|
1 egg 1-3 tablespoons of lean meat/ chicken / fish
|
2 |
Dairy products
|
½ cup of yogurt / milk – full cream
|
4-5 |
Your toddler should not be eating:
- Whole grapes; large pieces of meats; candy and cough drops can cause choking.
- Small, hard foods such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, chips, pretzels, raw carrots, and raisins can also cause choking.
- Sticky foods such as peanut butter and marshmallows can cause tooth decay.
- Always cut up foods into small pieces and watch your child while he eats.
- Also, your child may have food allergies. The most common food allergies are milk, eggs, peanuts and other nuts, soybeans, wheat, fish, and shellfish. If you think your child might have a food allergy, talk to your doctor.
- Your toddler should be on an eating schedule and join the family at the dinner table 3 times a day.
- Your toddler's appetite may decrease.
- Your child may prefer only one type of food.