Toddler Feeding

These instructions are for caregivers of toddler patients to learn about feeding and nutrition.

Important information about toddler feeding:

• Toddlers (1-3 years old) typically feed themselves with their hands. Some may begin to use a fork and spoon.

• It is normal for toddlers to eat more on some days and less on others. Toddlers often become pickier and may refuse foods they previously liked.

Instructions for feeding a toddler:

• Toddlers need 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks per day.

• Avoid letting your child graze or snack continuously throughout the day.

• Each meal and snack should include foods from 2-3 different food groups.

• The amount of food your toddler eats may vary from meal to meal and day to day. This is normal.

• Do not force, pressure, or bribe your child to eat.

• Watch for signs that your toddler is hungry or full and feed your child as needed.

• Toddlers should drink mostly water. Children ages 1-3 years need about 4 cups (32 ounces) of liquids per day, including water or milk.

• Many toddlers start drinking cow’s milk instead of breast milk or formula.

  • It is OK if your child continues to drink breast milk after 12 months of age

  • If your child was drinking formula, they should transition to cow's milk or a fortified non-dairy alternative after 12 months old.

  • Do not give cow's milk before 12 months of age

  • Limit cow's milk to 16-20 ounces per day.

• If offering juice:

  • Choose 100% juice only.

  • Limit to no more than 4 ounces per day. Mix with water to dilute.

• Avoid drinks with added sugar, flavored milk or artificial sweeteners

• Children should always sit down while eating to reduce the risk of choking

• Do not give the following foods to small children. They are choking hazards.

  • Gum

  • Hard candies

  • Popcorn

  • Whole grapes

  • Chewy candies

  • Raisins

  • Hot dogs

  • Nuts or seeds

  • Raw carrots

  • Chips

  • Chunky peanut butter

  • Cherries with pits

  • Marshmallows

  • Large chunks of meat

  • Whole cherry tomatoes

Mealtime tips:

• Offer a new food many times; it can take several tries before a toddler accepts a new food.

  • If your child refuses a food multiple times, take a break from trying and offer it again in a few weeks.

  • Toddlers’ food preferences can change often. If your child refuses a food at a meal, avoid offering multiple foods until they accept one. Instead, offer 2-3 foods on the plate, including at least one that your child usually likes.

• Mealtime can also be family time.

  • Eat meals as a family, when possible, with everyone seated at the table.

  • Try to keep set mealtimes and avoid distractions (such as electronics or toys).

  • Caregivers are role models: eat the foods you want your child to eat.

  • Feeding a toddler can be stressful. Try to keep meals calm and positive.

Sample meal plan for toddlers:

When Stage 3 baby food is listed, you can use soft table foods instead, as long as they are chopped into small, safe pieces.

Breakfast

• Option 1:

  • ½ to ¾ cup of dry cereal with minimal added sugar or prepared hot cereal (oatmeal, Cream of Wheat ® or grits)

  • ¼ to ½ cup of soft or mashed fruit

  • Breast milk, formula or up to 4 ounces of milk

• Option 2:

  • 1 or 2 small pancakes

  • ½ to 1 scrambled egg

  • Breast milk, formula or up to 4 ounces of milk

• Option 3:

  • ½ cup of a Stage 3 baby food meal of cereal and fruit

  • ¼ to ½ cup of unsweetened dry cereal or prepared hot cereal

  • Breast milk, formula up to 4 ounces of milk

• Option 4:

  • 4 ounces of plain yogurt

  • ¼ to ½ cup of Stage 3 baby food fruit or soft or mashed fresh fruit

  • ¼ to ½ cup unsweetened cereal or prepared hot cereal

  • Water

Mid-morning snack

• Option 1:

  • 2 small whole grain crackers

  • Breast milk, formula or up to 4 ounces of milk

• Option 2:

  • ¼ to ½ cup of soft or mashed fresh fruit

  • Breast milk, formula or up to 4 ounces of milk

Lunch

• Option 1:

  • 1 ounce of cooked meat or fish shredded or chopped

  • ¼ to 1/3 cup cooked pasta or potato

  • ¼ to 1/3 cup of Stage 2 or Stage 3 baby food vegetables or cooked, chopped vegetables

  • Breast milk, formula or up to 4 ounces of milk

• Option 2:

  • Stage 3 baby food or toddler meal with meat

  • ¼ cup Stage 2 or Stage 3 baby food vegetables

  • Breast milk, formula or up to 4 ounces of milk

• Option 3:

  • ¼ cup of cooked beans that have been rinsed, drained and mashed

  • ½ to 1 slice of wheat toast or whole grain tortilla

  • ¼ to 1/3 cup of Stage 2 or Stage 3 baby food vegetables

  • Breast milk, formula or up to 4 ounces of milk

• Option 4:

  • 1 ounce soft, cooked tofu

  • ¼ to 1/3 cup of cooked pasta, rice or potatoes

  • ¼ to 1/3 cup cooked and chopped vegetables

Afternoon snack

• Option 1:

  • ½ slice whole-wheat English muffin with butter or a thin layer of nut butter

  • ¼ cup of Stage 2 or Stage 3 baby food fruit or soft or mashed fresh fruit

  • Water

• Option 2:

  • ¼ small whole grain bagel with cream cheese or mashed avocado

  • ¼ cup of cooked, chopped vegetables

  • Water

Dinner

• Option 1:

  • 1 ounce of meat or fish shredded or chopped

  • ¼ to 1/3 cup of mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes

  • ¼ cup cooked, chopped vegetables

  • Breast milk, formula or up to 4 ounces of milk

• Option 2:

  • ¼ cup of canned or cooked beans that have been rinsed, drained and mashed

  • ½ to 1 small tortilla

  • ¼ cup cooked, chopped vegetables

  • Breast milk, formula or up to 4 ounces of milk

• Option 3:

  • 1 small slice of thin crust cheese pizza

  • ¼ cup soft or mashed fresh fruit

  • Breast milk, formula or up to 4 ounces of milk

• Option 4:

  • Stage 3 baby food or toddler meal with meat

  • ¼ to ½ cup of Stage 2 or Stage 3 baby food vegetables

  • Breast milk, formula or up to 4 ounces of milk

Reviewed July 2025 by Kylie McKenzie, RD