At the age of 2 children can have homogenized whole cow's milk. Two healthy, low fat alternatives to whole milk are skim and 2%.
The child's eating habits should be very similar to the eating habits of other family members. The diet for a toddler should include 3 meals per day and 2 healthy snacks usually fruits or vegetables.
You should limit your intake of 100% fruit juice to about 4-6 oz. per day, and milk and dairy products to about 16 oz. per day.
A healthy diet includes a variety of foods and food groups. Use your judgment while weaning your child from the bottle.
Foods for a toddler should be selected based on the USDA
guidelines. For children 2 years of age or older the US Department of Agriculture promotes a healthy eating guideline.
Our current food pyramid places a focus on the 5 primary food groups. To ensure a good nutritious eating plan, a combination of these food groups is required daily to maintain good health.
The basic make up of the 5 food groups include:
1) Grains, including 1 slice of bread, 1/2 cup of cooked pasta / rice, 1/2 cup of warmed cereal, and 1 ounce of cereal.
*Your child should eat 6 servings from this group.
2) Vegetable group servings include 1/2 cup of chopped or raw vegetables, or 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables.
*Three servings a day, from this group, is what your child should consume.
3) Fruit group servings include 1 piece of fruit or melon wedge, 3/4 cup of 100% fruit juice, 1/2 cup of canned fruit, or 1/4 cup of dried fruit.
*Children ought to eat 2 servings from this group.
4) 1 cup of mik or yogurt or 2 ounces of cheese would be included in the milk group.
*Be sure to provide your child with at least 2 servings from this food group.
Some kids are unable to tolerate products containing lactose. Children may want yogurt or hard cheese if they have stomach discomfort from lactose intolerance.
Check these items out, they are easier to digest. Drinking more milk with meals and snacks is another great option. Luckily, grocery stores now carry lactose-reduced dairy products.
If your child has a persisting condition it is best to consult with your child's physician or a registered dietician.
5) One meat group serving example is: 2 to 3 oz. of cooked lean meat, poultry or fish, or 1/2 cup of cooked dry beans. You can substitute 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or 1 egg for 1 ounce of meat.
* Two servings from this group should be eaten by your child. As children become toddlers their apprtite reduces. Sometimes they become “picky” eaters as their growth rate slows. You really don't have to worry so long as you help your child stay at a healthy weight and maintain a normal activity level.
When considering your child's overall health, daily nutrition is an important part. Eating properly can prevent many medical problems, like diabeties, obesity, and even weak bones. Make sure that your toddler grows to his full potential by following USDA guidelines.
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