How to Add Calories to a Toddler's Diet

Toddlers need ample amounts of nutrient-dense calories to fuel their energized little bodies. However, some tots are picky eaters, so parents need to get creative with menu planning to ensure that their child gets adequate nutrition. Select foods your toddler normally eats and look for ways to add more calories to each meal. Always have food available when you're on the go and experiment with different toddler-inspired culinary creations in the kitchen. According to the Kids Health website, toddlers need 1,000 to 1,400 calories per day, depending on their activity level.

Instructions

• 1

  Fresh raspberries can add 30 or more calories to your toddler's favorite yogurt.

  Feed your child a nutrient-rich breakfast like eggs with turkey bacon, oatmeal or yogurt. Mix raisins or berries into the oatmeal or yogurt to add a few more calories. Include a healthy muffin with the meal.

• 2

  Bring snacks along wherever you go.

  Feed your toddler snacks in between meals throughout the day. Good examples of snacks include fruit, buttered whole wheat toast and protein bars made for toddlers. Give your toddler healthy, calorie rich dips and sauces with finger foods like steamed carrot sticks. Mustard, honey mustard and ranch dressing usually go over well with toddlers, but you can also make your own. Avocado dip works well with chips.

• 3

  Provide your toddler with a high calorie, nutrient-packed lunch and dinner. Chicken salad or turkey sandwiches work well for lunch. Other healthy lunch options include soups, salads and fruit bowls. Feed your toddler salmon, chicken and other protein-rich foods for dinner along with a vegetable side dish such as broccoli. Sprinkle cheese on top of the broccoli to add more calories -- and more toddler appeal.

• 4

  Give 2- and 3-year-old toddlers two glasses of cow's milk each day as recommended by The Kid's Health website. Talk to your doctor about calcium-rich alternatives if your toddler can't digest cow's milk.

• 5

  Make fruit smoothies for your toddler two or more times each week. Healthy ingredients for a smoothie include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and bananas, along with yogurt, juice or milk. Add peanut or almond butter to boost the caloric value. Blend the ingredients well, so that there are no large chunks of fruit, before giving the smoothie to your toddler.