Nutrition

"MyPlate may be used as a guide for the toddler’s diet. A toddler’s serving sizes should be approximately one-quarter that of an adult’s. One way to estimate serving sizes for young children is one tablespoon for each year of life. For example, a two-year-old child would be served 2 tablespoons of fruits or vegetables at a meal, while a four-year-old would be given 4 tablespoons, or a quarter cup. Here is an example of a toddler-sized meal: 1 ounce of meat or chicken, or 2 to 3 tablespoons of beans; one-quarter slice of whole-grain bread; 1 to 2 tablespoons of cooked vegetable; and 1 to 2 tablespoons of fruit. The energy requirements for ages two to three are about 1,000 to 1,400 calories a day. In general, a toddler needs to consume about 40 calories for every inch of height. For example, a young child who measures 32 inches should take in an average of 1,300 calories a day. However, the recommended caloric intake varies with each child’s level of activity. Toddlers require small, frequent, nutritious snacks and meals to satisfy energy requirements. About 3 ounces of grains per day, ideally whole grains; 2 ounces of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or legumes; 1 cup of fruits; 1 cup of vegetables; and 2 cups of dairy products are examples of daily serving amounts for toddlers. For carbohydrate intake, the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range is 45 to 65 percent of daily calories, or 113 to 163 grams for 1,000 daily calories. The RDA of protein is 5 to 20 percent of daily calories, or 13 to 50 grams for 1,000 daily calories. The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range for fat for toddlers is 30 to 40 percent of daily calories, or 33 to 44 grams for 1,000 daily calories. Essential fatty acids are vital for the development of the eyes, along with nerve and other types of tissue. However, toddlers should not consume foods with high amounts of trans fats and saturated fats. Instead, young children require the equivalent of 3 teaspoons of healthy oils, such as canola oil, each day. As a child grows bigger, the demands for micronutrients increase. These needs for vitamins and minerals can be met with a balanced diet, with a few exceptions. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers and children of all ages need 600 international units of vitamin D per day. Vitamin D-fortified milk and cereals can help to meet this need. However, toddlers who do not get enough of this micronutrient should receive a supplement. Pediatricians may also prescribe a fluoride supplement for toddlers who live in areas with fluoride-poor water. Iron deficiency is also a major concern for children between the ages of two and three."