| The right diet ensures a healthy and bright future for | | | | • Serve small portions on a small plate in the |
| toddlers. Proper food and nutrients form the building | | | | beginning. |
| blocks for developing strong teeth, bones, muscles and | | | | • Keep sweet foods and deserts out of sight |
| healthy tissues in this age group. A good diet also helps | | | | till the main course has been eaten. |
| to build your toddlers immune system. A study by the | | | | Toddlers often become hungry in between their main |
| Journal of American Dietic Association states that kids | | | | meals. That is when they need small meals or snacks |
| in an age group of 1 to 2 years get 30 percent more | | | | to help them grow up strong. The healthier the snack, |
| calories than required. Since life long eating | | | | the healthier is the effect of growth on toddlers. |
| preferences are set during the first three years a well | | | | Therefore, it is very important to distinguish between |
| balanced diet at these early stages is required. A | | | | what is a healthy snack and what is an unhealthy |
| critical factor is that, though requirements for energy | | | | snack for toddlers. |
| and nutrients are high, parents are besieged with small | | | | Moreover, what may be classified as a healthy snack |
| appetites and finicky eating habits. | | | | for the average adult or teenager cannot automatically |
| The basic constituents of toddlers' healthy diet include | | | | be considered as healthy for toddlers. |
| iron, calcium, vitamins A, C and D. Iron is one of the | | | | Here are a few Do's and Don'ts to help you decide on |
| most crucial nutrients for a toddler. Children in this age | | | | the ideal snacks for your toddlers: |
| group often suffer from iron deficiencies due to low | | | | Do's - |
| dietary intake. This happens due to low or no meat | | | | • Use snacks that comprise ingredients that |
| intake. Foods rich with Vitamin C, such as orange juice | | | | can be cut or sliced into small pieces. E.g. apples, pears |
| need to be eaten at the same time to enhance iron | | | | and bananas. |
| absorption. Calcium; which is vital for strong bones, | | | | • Use fresh foods rich in protein, fiber, |
| teeth and blood clotting and nerve cells, can be | | | | minerals, and vitamins. |
| obtained from milk. Vitamin A; which is crucial for | | | | • Serve snacks in small portions at regular |
| healthy skin and cell development can be derived from | | | | intervals. |
| yellow and orange fruit and vegetables. Vitamin D is | | | | • Use fresh fruits sliced or cut into small |
| necessary for calcium metabolism and is synthesized | | | | pieces. |
| by the action of the sunlight on the skin. It is also | | | | • Use natural snacks such as cheese, milk, |
| available from oily fish, fortified margarine and dairy | | | | yogurt, mini-muffins, fruit juices, and cereal. |
| products. In order to balance out a healthy diet a | | | | Don'ts - |
| parent should ensure that their toddler is getting | | | | • Avoid snacks that may choke toddlers |
| adequate starchy carbohydrates, fruits and | | | | such as whole fruits and vegetables, hard candies, |
| vegetables, milk and dairy foods, meat fish and | | | | whole nuts, and seeds. |
| alternatives. Fatty and sugary foods need to be given | | | | • Avoid preserved, processed or |
| in moderation. Avoid or moderate sweet drinks. | | | | pre-packaged snacks. |
| Some pointers to ensure a healthy child's diet are: | | | | • Refrain from using snacks that are too |
| • Feed your child with regular meals and | | | | sweet, too salty, or too oily. |
| snacks at regular intervals. | | | | • Avoid artificial drinks such as sweetened |
| • Schedule meals at times when your child is | | | | sodas and soft drinks. |
| not too tired or too hungry. | | | | • Avoid fried snacks such as potato chips. |
| • Ensure that there is a wide variety of food | | | | Find features advice from experienced dads on |
| at meals. | | | | parenting, dad care, pregnancy care, adoption, |
| • Choose foods that are colorful and | | | | newborn baby, and on raising kids and teens. |
| interesting. | | | | |