Encourage parents to regard food likes and dislikes of their toddler as signs of their healthy, growing independence. 

On this page:

Assess

  • Anthropometric measurements (growth charts).
  • Physical examination.
  • Appropriateness of energy intake for an individual child is best judged by appropriateness of growth rather than monitoring daily intake.
  • Screen for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
    • Babies who are breastfeeding beyond 1 year of age may need addition iron screening if iron intake is inadequate. 

Discuss

  • Encourage foods, whether home or commercially prepared, with no added salt or sugar; particularly important for commercial foods marketed for toddlers. 
  • Encourage mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (eg, avocado, ground nuts or nut butters, olive and canola oils). 
    • Nonfat and lowfat milks are not recommended in children < 2 years.
    • Commercially fried foods (eg, chicken nuggets, fries, onion rings, corn dogs, doughnuts) are discouraged because heated oil converts to trans fats, particularly when heated repeatedly. The FDA designates trans fats as not “generally safe for human consumption.”
  • Encourage <16 oz, but no more than 24 oz, whole milk per day.
  • Continue breastfeeding.
  • Sugar-sweetened beverages, beverages with low-calorie sweeteners, and caffeinated beverages are not recommended. Avoid formulas designed for lder children unless medically indicated. 
    • Give plant-based milks only when medically indicated or to meet specific preferences for plant-based milks.
    • Children 1 to 3 years of age should consume no more than 4 oz (120 mL) of 100% fruit juice.
    • Almost 1/3 of toddlers consume SSBs daily.
  • Remind parents they are responsible for providing nutritious foods and their child’s responsibility is to decide how much to eat.
    • Explain the 2 domains of encouraging healthy eating: structure and autonomy. Tips for families regarding each domain are listed here.
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Calculations

Estimated energy requirements (kcal/d) for infants 6 months to 2.99 years (weight in kg; height in cm): 

  • Males: −716.45 − (1.00 × age) + (17.82 × height) + (15.06 × weight) + 20 
  • Females: −69.15 + (80.0 × age) + (2.65 × height) + (54.15 × weight) + 20/15 
    • Energy cost of growth for girls: 6 to 11.99 months: 20 kcal/d; 12 to 35.99 months: 15 kcal/d.

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Last Updated

02/13/2026

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics