Your little one is now learning to explore the world of foods and is getting more active with each passing day. He now needs good nutrition that would aid his growth, health, and provide him with energy needed for playing, moving, and learning.

However, it is important for the parents to know what all foods are right for your children as per their age. Your child will get the maximum benefit from the food he is given only if it’s appropriate to his age and growth needs.

Well, if you have certain doubts as to what you need to feed your toddler, the following guide is sure to help you out. This lets you know how much and what needs to be fed to kids from 12 to 36 months of age.

Age: 12 to 24 months

Signs of willingness toddler shows in terms of food

• Starts making an effort to hold spoon

Food You Need to Feed

• Whole milk
• Dairy products as soft pasteurized cheese, full-fat yogurt and cottage cheese
• Iron-fortified cereals such as oats, barley, wheat, mixed cereals
• Other grains such as whole wheat bread, pasta, rice
• Fruits like melon, papaya, and grapefruit
• Vegetables like spinach and cauliflower
• Protein rich foods as eggs, leafy vegetables, boneless fish, paneer, beans
• Citrus and non-citrus juice
• Honey 

Amount to be Given

You will have to pick the food options as given in the above list. As for the quantity, make sure that you give your toddler a mix of listed food amounting to 2 cups dairy product, 3 ounces grains, 1 cup fruit (whole fruit would be better than juice), 1 cup vegetables (they must be cooked properly and mashed thoroughly) and 2 ounces of protein.

Age: 24 to 36 months 

Signs of willingness toddler shows in terms of food

• Self-feeding
• Excitement to make food choices

Food You Need to Feed

• Low-fat milk
• Dairy products as cheese, and low-fat yogurt
• Iron-fortified cereals like oats, barley, wheat, mixed cereals
• Other grains such as whole wheat bread and crackers, pasta, and rice
• Dry fruits soaked in water or milk such as apricots, peaches, pears, dates
• Vegetables
• Protein sources like green leafy vegetables, paneer, eggs, fish and beans
• Fruit and vegetable juices

Amount to be Given
At this stage, one serving to your toddler equals to a quarter of serving as taken by an adult. Make sure that his everyday diet includes 2 cups dairy products, 4-5 ounces grains, 1 to 1 1/2 cups fruit, 1 1/2 cups vegetables, 3 to 4 ounces protein 

Some Tips
It has been noted that certain food types like fishes and eggs cause allergic reactions in kids. Even peanut butter is said to cause allergy in younger kids. Research is still being carried out to find what all foods trigger allergy in babies. However, it is advised that you take some precaution while introducing your toddler to food. If you feel any food type is causing some kind of allergy, do speak to your doctor without much delay.

This is a general guideline that helps you know how much and what all food products you can serve your toddler during 12 to 36 months of age. If you feel that your little one eats less or more amount of food as given in the list, there’s nothing to worry. Just keep a watch on his growth and development.