Caring for Toddlers
Nutrition
During the toddler years, growth somewhat slows down, but nutrition remains a top priority. This period in a child's life is a transition for both the child and his or her parents. There are no more bottles, formula, or breast milk. The child will learn to be more independent, choosing new foods to eat with different tastes and textures. As an infant, your child was provided adequate nutrition from formula milk. It's now time for your toddler to get the nutruients he or she needs from a variety of foods.
Nutritional Needs
- Milk: 2-4 servings
- Grains: 4 servings the about the size of 1/3 of an adult serving
- Vegetables: 2 servings
- Fruit: 2 servings (offer at least one citrus fruit a day)
- Meat: 2 servings (each portion 1/2 an oz.)
- Vitamin C-rich juice: 4 oz. daily
- Toddlers need at least 1,000 calories a day
- The best way to maintain this is to schedule 3 meals and 2 snacks a day
Other specific needs:
- Iron
- Fat
- Zinc
- Calcium