Nutrition Watch

Feeding a Healthy Toddler

Healthy eating habits start early, so encourage your child to eat a balanced diet with choices from each of the five major food groups (grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat and beans). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Pyramid says children ages two to three should consume 1,000 to 1,400 calories per day, depending on his activity level. At age four, his calorie intake should go up to between 1,200 and 2,000.¹

Here are some suggestions for creating a healthy menu for your child. When a range is given for a serving size, the smaller portion is generally appropriate for a two- or three-year old, while the larger portion is for a four- or five-year old.

Grains (4 to 5 Servings Per Day)

One-half to one slice of whole-grain bread
One-half bagel
One-half to three-quarters cup unsweetened breakfast cereal
One-quarter to one-half cup cooked pasta or rice
Two to five whole grain crackers

Other good choices include cornbread, English muffins, muffins and rice cakes.

Vegetables (2 or More Servings)

One-quarter to one-half cup cooked vegetables
One-third to one-half cup raw vegetables

Good choices are asparagus, beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, corn, green and red peppers, green beans, kale, peas, potato, pumpkin, squash, sweet potato, tomato, vegetable juices and zucchini.

Fruit (2 or More Servings)

One-quarter to one piece of fruit
One-quarter to one-half cup cooked fruit
One-half cup juice

Try apples, applesauce, apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, fruit cocktail, 100% fruit juices, grapefruit, kiwifruit, nectarines, oranges, peaches, plums, strawberries and watermelon.

Dairy (3 to 5 Servings)

Three-quarters cup milk
One-half to three-quarters ounce low-fat cheese
One-half to three-quarters cup low-fat yogurt

Other good choices are low-fat cottage cheese, custard and ice milk.

Meat and Beans (2 or 3 Servings)

One to two ounces lean meat, fish, poultry or tofu
One egg
One-quarter cup cooked dried beans
One to two tablespoons peanut butter

Other choices include shellfish, dried peas, lentils and reduced-fat cold cuts.²