Toddlers nutrition
The toddler eating habits are different from babies in that their diet resembles parents and siblings. A good nutrition for toddlers is the introduction of foods with new textures and flavors. A toddler will show a preference for one food over another. Small toddler stomach. Nutrition and good food will offer nutrient-rich foods rather than foods with empty calories. Toddlers play with their food and practice eating themselves. They will use their fingers at first then with common tableware. Toddlers benefit from being more independent in feeding themselves. A toddler can try to control mealtimes and can cause conflict. Toddlers eat in response to feelings of hunger and satiety.
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Milk
Milk provides calcium and vitamin D. This substance provides what is needed for strong bones. Most toddlers benefit most from drinking whole milk. The dietary fat needed for brain growth is in milk. Even toddlers can be overweight. Family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or obesity, may require the use of low-fat milk (2%). At the age of 2 years, a toddler can move from whole milk to low fat or nonfat milk.
A toddler can transition from bottle/breast to cup at the age of about 18 months or even faster. They benefit most from a gradual transition rather than abruptly holding bottles. One strategy is to offer a cup of whole milk after the meal begins. If a toddler is breastfeeding they can transition directly to a cup and cut using a bottle. Toddlers often dislike cow's milk rather than breast milk or formula. Mixing cow's milk with breast milk or formula can be done with the end result of a toddler receiving all cow's milk. Milk intake for toddlers can be reduced when proteins from other sources are added to the diet.
Iron
Iron deficiency can be a concern when toddlers reach the age of one year. Iron deficiency can cause difficulty in normal growth and development and lead to anemia. Iron can be given to toddlers in meat, fish, beans, and other iron-fortified foods. Toddlers benefit from eating iron-fortified cereals up to 18 to 24 months of age. The doctor may advise if the caregiver believes that a toddler may drink too much milk.
Food to avoid
Food allergies can develop in toddlers. Children's risk of developing food allergies is greater if close family members have allergies. Toddlers will eventually eat a variety of foods. Because each food is introduced careful observation will identify whether or not an allergy develops.
Choke
Choking can be a concern. Some foods that can cause choking are: nuts, raisins, hot dogs, and popcorn. Toddlers benefit from never being left alone when eating.
Mealtimes
Toddlers can be given three times per day. A snack schedule of 2-3 times each day is appropriate. Toddlers sometimes do not want to eat while eating. Skipping meals will not jeopardize toddlers. Pushing food into a child who is not hungry can cause eating problems - not eating on demand.
Toddlers benefit from knowing that food and snacks will be offered on a regular schedule. Concerns about adequate nutrition and caloric intake can be discussed with pediatricians.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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