Before you begin feeding your toddler, you first have to know what exactly defines a toddler. A toddler is a child between the ages of 1 and 4, and quite possibly the most difficult person to feed. Toddlers tend to be finicky eaters and will enjoy eating a specific food one day and hate it the next. So it's important to find out what your child likes to eat and give him a wide variety of healthy choices. There are several common mistakes that you should always try to avoid:
* Drinking more than 16-24 ounces of milk a day.
* Drinking more than 4-6 ounces of juice a day.
* Letting your child fill up on snacks and sweets.
* Forcing your child to eat when he isn't hungry.
* Giving servings that are too big.
The Basics
You shouldn't be counting calories all the time for your toddler, but you should have a basic understanding of the amount of calories in certain foods and how many calories your toddler needs a day. The average toddler needs about 1300 calories a day, obviously a little more for larger kids and a little less for smaller kids. 300950 calories divided between 3 meals and two snacks. Don't go overboard when preparing meals. Toddlers prefer simple basic food. Always consult your pediatrician if you are unsure about certain foods, and watch for allergic reactions when giving your child new foods.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Your toddler should be okay with whatever the entire family is eating. Don't feel like you have to constantly make special meals for your child. Introduce him slowly to new foods and don't force him to eat. You can always take the ingredients you're using and make a more "kid friendly" version. If you're having chicken, make a few chicken tenders for your child. Turn meatloaf and mashed potatoes into a Shepherd's Pie.
