Nutrition for toddlers

After their first birthday, your child can always join you for family meals. Food offered specifically for children in shops isn't necessary. However, there are a few things to consider when feeding toddlers to ensure good development.

Note: Information on nutrition for children under the age of one

Below, you can find out what you should consider when feeding your toddler.

What does my child need to develop well?

Children need regular meals

Three main meals: Eat together with your child in the morning, at noon and in the evening.
Two smaller snacks: Children have a different metabolism and also need something to eat between meals. Morning and afternoon are the time for snacks.

Children need different foods

Nutrients: For children to absorb many different nutrients, they need different foods.
Flavours: When they are toddlers, children are also very curious about experiencing new flavours after the baby food phase. Use their curiosity and let your child taste as much as possible and eat a variety of foods. However, make sure that the dishes aren't salted, sweetened or seasoned.
You can find more information on which foods are important for your child at the following link: Nutritional recommendations for children aged one to three

Children need a lot of liquid!

Your child should have something to drink with every meal and in between. Water, unsweetened fruit teas, vegetable juices and diluted fruit juices are best.
Sugar-free drinks: Avoid other sugary drinks such as lemonade or diluted syrup. All of these promote tooth decay and your child's desire for sweets. Teas sweetened with sugar, honey or syrup also increase the risk of tooth decay. Children should not be given honey before the age of one.

Food tips and tricks:

If your child doesn't have molars yet, you should cut or crush food with hard skin.
Do not season your food until you have set aside a portion for your child.
Offer a small portion or let your child take it themselves. Your child may take more until they are full.
Let your child help prepare the food.
Dishes such as jars of fruit or fruit salad are a good substitute for sweets.
Make sure that your child focuses on their food and avoid distractions.
Talk to your child while eating. Maintain eye contact and encourage them lovingly when they aren't full yet.
Don't compare your child to their peers. Children's development is just as varied as children themselves.

Note: Children have a natural sense of when they are hungry or full. Look out for signs and respond to them. Don't force your child to eat. Otherwise, they may pay less and less attention to when they feel hungry or full.

Don't worry if your child doesn't want to each much or anything at all. If feeding them or getting them to eat is difficult for several days, talk to a paediatrician.

Sources and more information on the subject: