Toddler Nutrition: 12 months – 2 years Adequate nutrition is necessary for toddlers to achieve their full growth and developmental potential

Transition to Table Food Introduce new table foods slowly and add only one food at a time. Finger foods can help in the transition from pureed foods to table foods. Nutritious snacks should be used instead of sweetened beverages, snack foods or desserts.

Toddlers and Preschoolers Set a schedule. Keep serving sizes “child friendly.” –Rule of thumb = 1 tablespoon of food per year of age. Listen to children’s hunger cues. Avoid forcing membership into the “clean-plate club.” Learn about the feeding relationship between parents and child. Lifetime eating habits and attitudes are formed during these early years of childhood.

Nutrient Needs of Toddlers Appetite –Toddler’s growth rate slows, which results in decreased appetite and interest in food. –It is important to understand a decreased appetite is normal. –Toddlers can self-regulate their calorie intake.

MyPyramid Providing variety of foods by following MyPyramid every day is best assurance of getting adequate calories, vitamins and minerals needed. Recommendations for MyPyramid are only for individuals 2 years and above. My Pyramid Plan based on 1,000 calories for toddler 2 years of age: –Grains – 3 ounces (1.5 ounces whole grains) –Vegetables – 1 cup (2 servings) –Fruit – 1 cup (2 servings) –Milk – 2 cups –Meat & Beans 2 ounces –Oils – 3 teaspoons daily –Extra Fats & Sugars - limited

Choking Concern during transition from strained foods to regular table foods. Foods that are hard, tough to chew, small and round or sticky are most often choked on, unless the shape or texture can be modified. Hot dogsWhole grapes Tough stringy meatsHard, raw vegetables Chunks of meatPopcorn Fish with bonesSmall or hard candies Peanut butterJelly beans NutsGum Hard raw fruitsGummy textured candy MarshmallowsRaisins

Preventing Overweight in Infants and Toddlers Avoid overfeeding. Do not force infants to eat. Wait until 4-6 months before adding solid foods. Limit juice to 3-4 ounces. Do not use food as a reward. Encourage physical activity.

Snacks Important part of a balanced diet for a child. Growing kids need extra energy during the day to support growth and development. Planning can help ensure that snacks eaten will be healthier ones. Can cut down on feelings of hunger and less likelihood of overeating at mealtimes. Keep serving sizes in mind as well as nutrient density. Keep in mind to choose those that are low in fat, added sugars and calories.

Healthy Snack Choices Low-fat milk Low-fat yogurt with fruit String cheese Instant pudding made with nonfat milk Frozen fruit bars Fresh fruit Individual servings of applesauce or fruit Raisins Cut-up fresh vegetables with low-fat salad dressing Baby carrots Graham crackers Pretzels Dry cereal Vanilla wafers Animal crackers Plain popcorn

Picky! Picky!! Picky!!! –Relax. Picky eating is often a normal phase. –Kids sometimes need 10 or more exposures to a food before they will take their first bite. –Recognize importance of family meals. –Kids need positive role models for healthy eating and physical activity. –Prepare foods in a variety of ways.

Picky! Picky!! Picky!!! –Involve kids in food-related activities. –Catch kids when they are hungry. –Make sure there are plenty of healthy choices available. –Encourage kids to drink water when thirsty. –Keep regular checks on growth. –Daily multivitamin/mineral supplement??