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COLUMBUS - The toddler years are truly years of wonder. Your baby becomes your child and
continues his development as a person. Wonderful opportunities exist during this stage -- opportunities to feed
hungry minds and bodies.
These early years, 1 to 2 years of age, are an important time for growth and development. While
physical growth is not as rapid as during infancy, physical capacity and skill development are in full swing.
Toddler are interested in everything. Encourage their exploration of the world around them.
Keep in mind that as your toddler's abilities increase, so will his desires for independence, for
control of things that impact his world.
Parents who provide structure -- a framework within which the child can grow and explore boundaries
-- should find this often frustrating period to be less trying.
EATING HABITS
Parents may become concerned over their toddler's eating habits. For example, a toddler may eat what seems to be
very little during one meal then devour the next.
This is normal. Your toddler is listening to his body and responding to hunger and satiety cues.
Structure each day to include scheduled mealtimes and snacks. A child's refusal of food at one
meal is common; wait until the next scheduled meal or snack to offer food again.
DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITY
Feeding a toddler is a well-orchestrated dance. Nutritionist Ellyn Satter introduced the world to the division
of responsibility feeding dynamic decades ago.
This division of responsibility gives parents the responsibility of choosing what and when food
is offered; children choose to eat or not and how much. Your toddler responds to his natural satiety cues, and
you set reasonable boundaries.
TESTING THE BOUNDARIES
Older toddlers test these boundaries. Your toddler may want one certain food for several meals or reject everything
offered. Don't start food fights, and don't pressure your toddler to eat. Expose him to foods of different textures
and colors. He may prefer foods that are lukewarm, not over cooked or undercooked. Toddlers like dips and finger
foods.
Be prepared; he will reject some foods. When offering a new food, give only a little because it
may take a dozen different tries before your toddler will eat it.
If you have concerns about your toddler's health or eating habits, you should consult your pediatrician.
PORTION SIZES
Toddlers should not be offered, or expected to eat, adult-size food portions.
For help in offering toddler-size portions, take a look at the provided Food Groupings and Serving
Size Table. Attention to serving sizes is important for maintaining good health and a healthy weight.
JUICE VERSUS MILK
Limit your toddler's juice intake. Juice is high in sugar and relatively low in nutrients. Milk is an important
part of a child's diet, but milk does not contain iron and other nutrients like formula or breast milk. Offer four
ounces of milk four times per day. Water should be offered at meals and in-between to satisfy a thirsty toddler.
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FOOD GROUPS AND SERVING SIZES
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Serving sizes are not determined for children under the age of 2. Younger toddlers can be expected to eat less
than an older toddler; these serving sizes should only be used as a guide.
BREADS AND GRAINS
About 6 servings per day
1/2 slice of bread
1/4-1/2 cup cereal
1/4-1/2 cup pasta
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
About 2-5 servings per day
1/4-1/2 cup fruit or vegetable
1/4-1/2 cup juice, with no more than 6-8 oz. per day
MILK
About 4 servings per day, drinking at least 16 oz. of milk per day
1/2-1 cup milk
1 oz cheese
4 oz yogurt
MEAT OR MEAT ALTERNATIVE
About 2 servings per day
1-2 oz meat
1/2-1 egg
1/2 cup cooked beans
It's not advised to feed toddlers peanut butter, nuts or seeds.
NUTRITIOUS SNACK IDEAS
Peach slices with graham crackers
Yogurt and pears
Banana slices and pudding made with milk
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