How to Feed a 2-Year-Old

The Food Guide Pyramid for young children was designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and outlines what and how to feed children between 2 and 6 years old. (See Reference 1). This chart serves as a guide that promotes healthy nutrition in the child's diet. Each of the five major food groups required for good health are covered. Emphasis is also placed on foods that contain a lot of fats, oils and sweets. These foods should be fed to your child sparingly.

Instructions

• 1

  Maintain a regular schedule of meals and snacks. Feed your child three meals and two nutritious snacks per day. Offer a variety of foods to encourage good eating habits.

• 2

  Feed your 2-year old the right amount of food. The serving size for a child this age is about ¼ of the adult's serving size. Your child should eat 6 servings of grains, 3 servings of vegetables, 2 servings of fruits, 2 servings of milk and 2 servings of meat.

• 3

  Give your child 2%, low fat or skim milk instead of whole milk. Limit milk intake to 16 to 24 ounces per day and juice intake to 4 to 6 ounces per day. Limit foods high in sugar and those that contain a large amount of saturated fat. Avoid adding extra sugar to your child's food.

• 4

  Avoid foods that your child can choke on. These foods include tough meats, popcorn, whole grapes, raw carrots, peanuts, chewing gum or hard candy. Also, avoid giving your child large amounts of sweet desserts, sugary cereals, soft drinks, fruit-flavored drinks, chips and candy. These foods have little to no nutritional value.

• 5

  Allow the 2-year old to skip a meal if he desires. Children's appetites fluctuate at this age. Do not force the child to eat if he is not hungry. However, do not allow the child to eat on demand all day long either.

• 6

  Watch for allergic reactions. If a close family member has a food allergy such as peanuts or seafood, consider postponing the introduction of that food to your child until he is 3 years old.