HEALTHY EATING FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS
What to Feed Toddlers 12-24 Months
What to Feed
Plan meals and snacks to provide a variety of healthy food from all food groups (fruits, vegetables,
meats/protein, dairy, whole grains).
Breastfeeding: It is fine to continue breastfeeding beyond one year, though this should decrease
quite a bit during this time as your child eats more solid food.
Vegetables: Include a variety of vegetables, Offer ¼ to ½ cup of vegetables at most
especially those that are dark green, red, meals and snacks.
and orange in color. These vegetables are
full of many nutrients.
Fruit: Offer a variety of fruits of different Offer your child ¼ to ½ cup of fruit at each
colors. meal and snack.
Protein: Offer a variety of poultry (like Offer ½ to 1 ounce (about the size of 3
chicken or turkey), fish, meats, and meat dice) of poultry, fish, meat or meat
alternates (e.g., beans, lentils, tofu, eggs, alternate (¼ cup cooked beans, 1 whole
or nut butter). egg, or 1 tablespoon of nut butter) at most
meals and snacks.
Whole Grains: Offer whole grain foods, such Offer ½ to 1 slice of whole grain bread, or
as whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, ¼ to ½ cup of whole grain cereal or pasta
corn tortillas, or brown rice. at most meals and snacks.
Healthy Oils and Fats: Healthy fats are Choose foods prepared with healthy oils,
important for brain development. Try fish like olive, canola, corn, or sunflower oil.
(without bones) like salmon, tuna, and trout.
Water: Water is the best option when your Your toddler needs about 2 cups of water
child is thirsty. per day to get enough fluids.
Milk: The American Academy of Pediatrics Limit the amount of milk your child drinks
recommends giving pasteurized whole cow’s to no more than 2 cups (16 fluid ounces)
milk to children 12-24 months old. Offer per day. Too much milk may decrease their
cow’s milk without added sugars (no appetite for other nutritious food.
flavored milks). At each meal, or as part of a snack, offer
your toddler ½ cup (4 fluid ounces) of milk.
Healthy Snack Ideas!
Sliced fresh fruit, cooked vegetables or vegetables with dip, whole grain crackers with cheese
What to Limit
Salt: Avoid adding too much salt to your You can season the food that you make
toddler’s food. Your toddler is still learning to with herbs and spices (e.g., basil, cumin,
develop eating habits that can last for life. oregano, chili, ginger) instead of salt.
Juice: Whenever possible, offer fresh fruit If you offer 100% fruit juice to your
instead of 100% fruit juice. Whole fruit toddler, keep it to less than 4 fluid ounces
provides less sugar and more fiber than juice. per day and offer it in a cup, not a bottle.
What to Avoid
Added Sugars: It’s best for children younger than 2 years old to not eat any added sugars.
Check nutrition labels underneath “Total Sugars” and make sure the line for “Added
Sugars” says 0 grams.
Trans Fats: Avoid foods high in trans fats, like fried foods and store-bought baked goods.
Plant-Based Beverages: Soy, rice, almond, and other plant-based milk alternatives are
not recommended for your toddler in place of dairy milk, but talk to your pediatrician in
the case of dairy allergies.
Sugary Drinks: Avoid soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks, energy drinks, sweetened
teas, and flavored milks (like chocolate or strawberry) that have added sugar.
Supervise your child during meals and snacks and avoid offering foods that are a choking
hazard such as nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, uncut hot dogs, and hard candies.
Age-Appropriate Feeding for
Toddlers
By age 1 children need about 1,000
calories every day (see examples of
healthy meal patterns).
Toddlers have small tummies and
can only eat a little bit at a time,
so they should eat five to six
healthy meals and snacks a day.
Follow a regular schedule to help
your child learn when to expect to
eat. If your child decides to skip a
snack, don’t worry. It’s most
important that you continue to
offer healthy foods and let them
decide how much to eat.
