Feeding Your Child at 1–2 Years: A Comprehensive Guide
- By Parenting Quotient
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Feb 16, 2024
3 min read
Feeding your child at the age of 1–2 years requires careful attention to their nutritional needs and eating habits. Solid foods, including healthy snacks, become your child’s primary source of energy and nutrition, complementing breastfeeding if it’s still part of their diet.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your child receives the right nutrition while fostering healthy eating behaviors.
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What to Feed Your Child
It’s essential to continue breastfeeding as much as your child wants, ideally until at least 2 years old, as breastmilk provides vital nutrition and protection against diseases.
Your child can now eat a variety of foods, so it’s important to offer them a balanced diet. Include foods from all food groups to ensure they get the necessary nutrients. Here are some key points:
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Animal Foods: Include milk, dairy, eggs, meat, fish, or poultry in their daily diet for protein and other essential nutrients.
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Legumes or Nuts: Provide legumes like chickpeas, lentils, or peas, or nuts for added protein and fiber.
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Fruits and Vegetables: Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially orange and green ones, for vitamins and minerals.
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Healthy Fats: Add a little oil or fat to their food for energy and to support brain development.
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How Much and How Often to Feed
Offer three quarters to one cup of food three to four times a day, along with one to two snacks between meals.
If not breastfeeding, your child will need to eat more often, so aim for four to five meals a day, plus two healthy snacks.
Foods to Avoid
- Junk Food: Avoid foods like crisps, cookies, cakes, soda, and candy, as they are high in sugar, salt, fat, and chemicals.
- Soft Drinks: Limit or avoid soft drinks, as they provide no nutritional value and can lead to health issues.
Encouraging Healthy Eating Behaviors
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Encourage independent feeding by providing your child with their own bowl of food and ample time to eat.
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Show love and support during meal times by sitting in front of your child, making eye contact, and interacting positively.
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Make mealtime a joyful and interactive experience to foster a positive relationship with food.
Addressing Eating Challenges
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Ensure your child is hungry at mealtimes and has not consumed a snack just before.
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Offer healthy food options and avoid pressuring or forcing your child to eat, while refraining from substituting with junk food.
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Remain calm and accepting, and provide positive attention when your child eats, while not making it a problem when they don’t.
Conclusion
Feeding your child at this age is about providing a balanced and nutritious diet while encouraging healthy eating habits. With patience and a variety of foods, you can help your child develop a positive relationship with food that will benefit them throughout their life.
