Age-appropriate diet for children

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Diet and good health

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Keep in mind, however, that toddlers are becoming more and more active as they learn to crawl and walk. Toddlers and small children will usually eat only small amounts at one time, but will eat frequently (4 - 6 times) throughout the day, so snacking is strongly encouraged.

Feeding tips:

• Feeding solids too early is not recommended and can result in overfeeding.
• Offer only one new food at a time. Offer the new foods for a few days. Watch for allergic reactions (hives, vomiting, diarrhea).
• Do not feed solids in a bottle.
• If your child dislikes the new food, try giving it again later.

SAFETY DURING MEALTIMES

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• Feed the baby directly from the jar only if you use the entire jar contents, otherwise use a dish to prevent contamination with food-borne illness.
• Opened containers of baby's food should be covered and stored in a refrigerator for no longer than 2 days.
• Use a small spoon to feed the baby.
• A baby put to bed with a bottle (milk, fruit juice, or sweetened beverage) can develop bottle mouth, resulting in tooth decay. Use plain water if a bottle is necessary.
• Avoid foods that may cause the baby to choke -- popcorn, nuts, potato chips, whole kernel corn, berries, grapes, hot dogs, raw vegetables, raisins, dry flake cereals.

OTHER TIPS

• Water can be offered between feedings.
• Feeding sweets or sweetened beverages is not recommended because they will spoil the appetite and contribute to tooth decay.
• Salt, sugar, and strong spices are not recommended.
• Caffeine products are not recommended (soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate).
• A fussy baby may need attention, rather than food.

OLDER CHILDREN

Throughout childhood and adolescence, it is important that the diet include a variety of foods for proper development. The principles of the food guide plate apply to a child's diet as well as an adult's, although portions and number of servings per day are obviously less for children.

After the age of 2, it is recommended that the diet be moderately low in fat, as diets high in fat may contribute to heart disease, obesity, and other health problems later in life.