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What Foods & Drinks to Feed a Child 18 Months & Up

Babies 18 months and older are firmly settled into the toddler age bracket. Children this age require a diet that is different than what they ate as babies. It is important to set a good foundation for your child's diet that will encourage healthy food choices through the rest of her life. Toddlers are often picky eaters, but after several attempts on different occasions, will usually try new foods.

  1. Snacks

    • According to the website Baby Zone, toddlers should receive six servings of grains a day. Snack time is an ideal time for receiving an extra serving of grain. O-shaped cereal is an excellent snack choice, as are other multi-grain cereals, crackers and puffs. Fruit slices and pieces work well as a quick snack as well. Cut up the fruit ahead of time for a grab-and-go option, or use dried fruits. Cut-up vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, broccoli and green beans, also make nutritious, non-messy snacks for toddlers.

    Drinks

    • Toddlers should receive plenty of fluids throughout the day. Most of the fluids should come from water. Toddlers can benefit from drinking whole milk throughout the day. The Children's Youth and Women's Health Service recommends that toddlers consume no more than three cups of milk per day. Toddlers love juice, but too much can be harmful, according to Baby Zone. Toddlers should have no more than 8 to 12 oz. of juice per day. If your child is reluctant to drink water, you can add a small amount of juice to the water for flavor.

    Desserts

    • Toddlers should have a limited amount of sweets and desserts. However, an occasional healthy dessert will not hurt them. Try to choose the healthiest options, such as frozen fruit pops, regular fruit pieces, yogurt, applesauce and other fruit purees. A small amount of more traditional sweets are also fine to feed toddlers in small portions on rare occasions.

    Food

    • For the most part, toddlers can have the same food as adults and should be exposed to a variety of tastes and textures. However, toddlers love finger foods the most and may be more likely to eat something they can pick up with their fingers. In addition to your regular meals, try adding sweet potatoes, sandwiches, dairy products such as cheese and cream, small pieces of meat, oatmeal, eggs, healthy breads and pastas and cooked vegetables and fruit to your toddler's diet..

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