From about, the age of 12 months toddlers generally have the key foods introduced and their diets are more in line with the rest of the family. There are still some foods to avoid such as foods, which are easy to choke on, including nuts, foods that are potentially allergenic such as peanuts, and those with a higher food poisoning risk such as runny eggs and raw fish. Toddlers still need no added salt or sugar, just what comes naturally in the food. This stage is about developing a taste for a greater variety of foods as well as improving feeding and chewing skills.
Setting the standard
Our attitude to food is shaped not only by the flavour but also by many other factors. How we introduce foods to our children may influence how they feel about food so make the whole experience positive. Show your toddler how you enjoy healthy foods and encourage them to try a variety of foods. Choose the best quality food you can afford. Organic foods reduce the risk of adding a chemical burden to an immature body so are worthwhile where possible.
From bottle to cup
Drinks should now be from a cup rather than a bottle. Bottles increase the time the milk is spent in contact with the teeth and can encourage decay. This is especially the case with a bedtime feed where the toddler is likely to fall asleep.
Allergies
Strong allergies to foods are likely to have been spotted during the weaning process but there is still a risk at this stage as more foods are introduced and some allergies can develop later. Look out for the signs and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of a potential food allergy
• Swollen Lips or Throat
• Itchy throat or tongue, which may cause a cough
• Wheezing
• Skin Rash
• Diarrhea and Vomiting
Most common food allergies
• Cow’s Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Fish and Shellfish
Food intolerances
Some foods can cause delayed symptoms and may trigger a food intolerance or sensitivity. This is not life-threatening but the reaction may increase over time. Introducing only one new food at a time may help you spot food sensitivities. Blood testing can be done over the age of two years.
Symptoms of a potential food intolerance
• Skin Rashes
• Runny or Blocked Nose
• Eczema
• Loose Stool
• Feeling unwell after food and becoming a fussy eater
Foods to avoid at this stage
• Added Salt- Toddlers get enough from foods without adding extra
• Added Sugar- Fruits provide enough sweetness and foods with added sugar can reduce appetite for meals and also lead to tooth decay
• Nuts and other small hard foods due to choking risks
• Artificial food additives such as colorings and preservatives
• Low-fat varieties of foods such as low-fat dairy products for they can be too low on calories
• Deep-fried foods
• Processed Meats
• Fish- Maybe high in mercury that can affect the development of the brain and nervous system
What do toddlers need to eat?
By one year, toddlers are likely to have progressed to three meals and two snacks a day. It can be hard to keep track of how much is being eaten and if all the nutrient needs have been covered. At this age look, more to what toddlers have eaten over several days than each day as appetites vary. Food has taken over from milk as the key calorie and nutrient source but breast milk is still valuable because as well as providing nutrients it also has immune-boosting properties. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for the first two years. Bottle-fed toddlers can now move on to whole milk rather than formula. Whole milk is recommended because it has more calories, fat and fat-soluble vitamins than reduced fat. Ideally choose organic milk from grass-fed cows, which should be lower in saturated fats and higher in essential fats.
Calorie needs
From the start of weaning children’s calorie needs steadily increase as they grow and become more active. Stomachs are still small at one to two years so nutrient and calorie-rich foods in regular small meals and snacks are needed. There is still no need for high calories nutrient-depleted foods such as confectionery and sugary drinks. Not offering these foods may feel like you are denying your children but they do not know they are missing foods they have not tried and the less they are given when young, the less they may desire as they grow up. A diet based on healthy foods can provide all the calories needed especially with the inclusion of healthy fats such as those in avocados, groundnuts, and seeds.
The key food groups
To ensure your toddler’s diet has all the nutrients needed and to continue educating your child in terms of what a healthy diet looks and tastes like, base the diet on the key food groups. This will help, as they get older and need to make choices themselves. It is never too early to start this education as children have to start making choices from their first reception year of school and the early influences lay the foundations of food attitudes for life.
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Idah Muthama – VitabioticsKe
