Toddler yummings
When toddlers become adamant and sly about food, we literally want to shove it down their throats so that they grow as they should.
Your toddler needs about 1000 calories a day to meet his growth and energy needs. But since it may be complicated to count calories, three small meals and two healthy snacks can reassure you that your child has enough to eat.
Four basic nutritional groups
• Cereal grains, potatoes, rice, breads, pasta
• Meat, fish, poultry, eggs
• Fruits and vegetables
• Dairy products
In planning your child’s menu, remember that by his first birthday, he should be able to eat most of the food eaten by the rest of the family members. Also note that cholesterol and other fats are very important for his normal growth and development, so they should not be restricted.
Ensure that the food is not too hot, by testing the temperature yourself, as he is likely to dig in regardless of the food’s temperature.
Avoid food that is heavily spiced or salted. This is likely to prevent him from enjoying the natural taste of the food; and may be harmful to his long term health.
Large chunks of food should be avoided as they can cause choking. Mash the food or cut it into small pieces that are soft enough for easy chewing.
Ensure that your toddler eats under the supervision of an adult. Make sure that your child is seated. Movements like jumping and running increase the risk of choking.
Growth facts
» After your child’s first birthday, they grow slowly through kindergarten and pre-adolescent years.
» The annual increases in weight and height are fairly small, about 2-3kg and 6-8cm respectively, from 2-10 years.
» The height and weight should be proportional to each other. Growth measurement should be monitored at regular intervals.
» The limbs lengthen a great deal. The head and trunk grow quite slowly.
Nutrition milestones
Between 1 -2 years, the stomach capacity is now large enough for your child to consume 2-3 meals a day and 2-4 snacks per day.
At one year of age, regular whole milk is introduced and should be consumed up to two years since a higher fat intake is needed.
Milk taken should not exceed 2-3 cups a day since excessive consumption of milk can contribute to iron deficiency.
At one year, your toddler should be drinking liquids from cups. He will need less milk, since he can get most of his calories from solid food.
You may continue breast feeding though this should not be the primary source of nutrients. A variety of fruits, veggies, grains, milk and protein foods are needed.
Beyond two years, a higher fat intake is no longer needed and you should replace whole milk with low fat or non fat dairy products. Bottle feeding is no longer needed.
Toddlers are just learning to chew and swallow a variety of food. Therefore choking is a major concern. Avoid giving popcorn, nuts, chewing gum, whole grapes and raw carrots. Meats also pose a choking risk and should be ground, cut very fine and very soft.
Be sure to include fruits and vegetables with lots of Vitamin C to enhance iron absorption in your toddler’s body.
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