Healthy Food Ideas for Toddlers

Toddlers need to eat a variety of foods to get proper nutrition. Some toddlers may be willing to try any kind of new food, while others may be quite picky. Parents should continue to offer a variety of foods to even the pickiest eaters. Dr. Sears recommends offering toddlers a nibble tray---an ice tray that is filled with a variety of different healthy foods. Some days your toddler may only eat one type of food, and that is OK since she usually will eat something different later on to balance out her nutritional intake.

Dairy

• Toddles need two to three cups of dairy products containing calcium each day. These requirements can be met with whole milk, cottage cheese, cheese and yogurt.

Fruits

• Toddlers should be offered fruits each day. Good choices include bananas, pears, peaches, grape halves, papaya, apricots, strawberries, tomatoes, melons, mango, kiwi and 100-percent fruit juice. Toddlers should eat about 1 cup of fruits each day.

Protein

• Toddlers need about 2 oz. of protein each day. Protein can be acquired from poultry, eggs, beef, pork, fish, peanut butter and tofu.

Vegetables

• Toddlers also should be offered vegetables each day. Some good choices are peas, mashed potatoes, yams, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower and cooked carrots. Toddlers should consume about 1 cup of vegetables each day.

Carbohydrates

• Toddlers need carbohydrates for energy. Good carbohydrate options include rice, pasta, graham crackers, pancakes, wheat cereal, muffins, toast, bagels and oatmeal. Toddlers should eat about 3 oz. of carbohydrates each day.

Other Food Options

• Toddlers also may enjoy small sandwiches, soups, stews and smoothies.