Feeding toddlers and preschoolers
Tips for feeding children 1 to 6 years.
As your child grows older, it's normal for them to:
- Eat different amounts of food each day.
- Change food likes and dislikes.
- Refuse to eat new or certain foods.
- Want the same food all the time.
- Want to choose their foods and eat by themselves.
Your child at 12 months
Around this age your child is ready for a meal and snack routine. Following Canada's food guide, offer:
- 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks around the same time each day.
- The same food as the rest of the family. Make sure the food is the right texture for the age of your child to avoid choking.
- A chance to plan, shop, cook and eat together as a family.
Try offering new foods 10 or more times. Sometimes it takes time for them to accept the food. Avoid pressuring or praising your child when trying foods.
12 to 24 months
Your toddler also needs:
- 500 mL (maximum of 750 mL) of 3.25% whole milk or soy follow-up formula in an open cup each day.
- Vitamin D each day.
- Iron-rich foods at every meal.
Resources
Dietitians of Canada offers information about:
- Sample meal plan for toddlers
- Sample meal plan for preschoolers
- Raising vegetarian children
- Picky eating
- Trying new foods
- Drinks
- Sugar
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Constipation
- Gaining weight
- Cooking with kids of different ages
- Healthy tips for feeding your grandchildren
Talk to a public health nurse to get free telephone support.