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Diet for toddler Children are growing and developing bones, teeth, muscles and blood, hence they need more nutritious foods in proportion to their weight than adults. Children can be victims of malnutrition if they suffer from poor appetite for long duration of time or accept fewer amounts of foods or dilute their diets.
It is very much essential to give proper diet to the child. Variety is very much essential in terms of color, flavor or taste otherwise children may find it boring to have food. A balanced diet is essential for proper development of the child. As the activity of the child increases, the Childs nutrient needs will also increase.
Certain guidelines to prepare healthy balanced diet for small children:-
- Introduce family foods so that the child can easily adjust to the food pattern of the family. It also decreases the load on the mother to prepare special diet for the child. Avoid too spicy or hot foods.
- It is very essential to be creative in planning food for the child. Color tends to be fascinating for the baby. Can give vegetable fried rice or vegetable noodles or vegetable semolina preparation. Pinwheel sandwiches made with dressing of different colors can also be tried.
- Stress on seasonal fruits and vegetables so that it tastes good and costs cheaper. Avoid packaged foods or processed foods. Prefer natural foods for the child.
- Avoid longer duration for eating foods. Keep a gap of two hours. However if the child is not interested in having food as planned do not force him. Try to make mealtime pleasant and interesting.
- Certain foods like soybean, eggs and milk are rich in protein that is essential for wear and tear of the body and maintenance of immune system. Do not give these foods as raw as it can affect the child's system and may start develop allergies to certain foods.
- See to it that all the food groups like cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruits, flesh foods, sugar and fats are provided to the child in one or other form.
- Avoid too fatty foods as it can lead to indigestion. Allow the child to drink ample amount of water.
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