During the toddler years, growth slows somewhat in babies, but nutrition is still a top priority. Also, it is a time for parents to shift gears, during this growth period, kids will eat and drink more independently.
This stage is a transition stage, especially between 12–24 months, when toddlers are learning to eat table food and accepting new tastes and different textures. Breast milk and formula were perfect for your baby as an infant, but now it is time for him to start getting what he needs through a variety of foods.
How Much Food Does a Toddler Need?
Toddlers need about 1,000–1,400 calories a day, depending on their age, size, and activity level.
Although you can use a chart as a guide, you have to trust your own judgment and your baby's cues to tell if he is satisfied and getting the right nutrition. Nutrition is all about averages therefore, don't panic if you do not hit every mark every day. All you have to do is just try to provide a wide variety of nutrients in your toddler's diet.
During this stage, toddler diets are still in transition, so a younger toddler may not eat as much as an older one. You can talk with your doctor about specifics for your child.
Milk Intake
Milk for toddlers is a very important part of their diet as it provides calcium and vitamin D to help build strong bones. Ideally, toddlers should have 700 milligrams of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption, a day. You can meet this calcium need if your kid gets the recommended two servings of dairy foods daily. These servings will, however provide only less than half of the requred vitamin D, so doctors usually recommend vitamin D supplements for infants.
Children between the ages of 12-24 months old are expected to drink whole milk so as to help provide them the dietary fats needed for normal growth and brain development. If obesity or overweight is a concern, or if there is a family history of obesity, heart disease or high cholesterol, talk to your doctor to see if reduced-fat milk may be given. After the age of 2, most kids can switch to low-fat or nonfat milk. In regards to this, your doctor can help you decide the kind of milk to serve your toddler.
At first, some kids may reject cow's milk because it doesn't taste like the familiar breast milk or infant formula. If your little one is at least 12 months old and he is having this difficulty, you can mix whole milk with some formula or breast milk. You can gradually adjust the mixture over time so it becomes 100% cow's milk.
Also, some kids don't like milk or cannot drink or eat dairy products. Other calcium sources to consider are fortified breads, fortified soy beverages, cereals and calcium fortified juices, cooked dried beans, and dark green vegetables.
