Diet for a 15-Month-Old Baby

It's important to remember that the eating habits developed in early childhood contribute to lifelong health. While a 15-month-old child isn't growing as quickly as an infant, there are still several important systems in development. Without proper nutrition, toddlers can suffer a variety of problems, including everything from a weakened immune system to slow brain development. Unfortunately, this is also the age when children begin to individuate and they learn the most powerful word in the world: No.

  1. The Food Pyramid

    • There are six pieces to the food pyramid, each one representing a food type. The size of each stripe represents the proportion of food that should be consumed in a day. The three largest represent grains (orange,) vegetables (green) and dairy (blue) and should make up the majority of each day's food. The two middle-sized stripes are fruits (red) and meat and beans (purple). The thinnest, yellow stripe, represents healthy fats. Depending on the size, activity level and overall health, the average 15-month-old child will need between 1,000 and 1,400 calories per day.

    Variety

    • To an adult, variety is the spice of life. But to a child, what is known is safest. In fact, it is normal for a toddler to go through periods of requesting a single food over and over again. One way to deal with this is to make sure that while there is a variety offered at every meal, that most of what's served is familiar and enjoyed. Over time, the child's repertoire of familiar foods will grow.

    Food Allergies

    • Most pediatricians are encouraging parents to stay away from peanuts and peanut butter in toddlers, especially if there is a family history of food allergies. Other common food allergies stem from wheat, milk, soy and a variety of fruits. Often allergies don't present themselves the first time a child eats the food, but the allergy develops over time. If any symptoms develop, be sure to contact the child's pediatrician immediately. Symptoms include rashes, hives, vomiting, diarrhea or swelling of any part of the body.

    Portion Control

    • It's important to teach the child to listen to his own body when it comes to food. If the parent loads the child's plate with a favorite food, it's silly to expect a 15-month-old to say no. Beginning portions for any child should be about one tablespoon per year of age.

    Nutritional Deficiency

    • Because toddlers are still growing and developing, it's vital that they receive adequate nutrition. The human brain is made primarily of fat and water, so healthy fats are necessary to any toddler's diet. In addition, many toddlers don't get enough animal-produced iron, leaving them at risk for anemia.

    Nutritional Supplements

    • Many parents give children vitamin tablets or other forms of nutritional supplements. One thing to remember is that these tablets are designed to taste good and are often loaded with sugar. If the supplement has iron, it's important to keep the item out of the reach of children. Iron supplements are the leading cause of accidental poisoning for children under the age of 6.

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