Your youngster has reached the age of two and is now capable of eating practically every food item on your plate. While this may appear to be a godsend, it also means that your child may become even more picky than before, refusing to eat some things just because they taste bad. As a result, you’ll need to be more selective about his meal selections. However, there is no need to be concerned about your child’s eating habits, since we have some fantastic ideas and recipes for your two-year-old.
A 24-month-old Child’s Nutrient Requirements
At the age of two, your child’s hunger will almost certainly rise, and you will witness him devouring anything that comes his way. While he will consume everything and everything, it is your obligation as a parent to ensure that his nutritional requirements are met. A 24-month-old child’s nutritional needs are as follows:
- Calorie intake
Between the ages of one and four years, a child’s calorie need does not grow as significantly as one might anticipate. The average youngster needs just approximately 1200-1300 calories per day.
- Proteins
A child’s physique and muscular growth are highly dependent on his protein intake. That is not to say that his diet should consist entirely of protein-rich foods. A youngster obtains an adequate amount of protein from the foods he or she consumes.
- Carbohydrates
These constitute the majority of a child’s meals at this age. A youngster needs around 130-150 grams of carbs to operate normally throughout the day.
- Fiber in the Diet
Given that the majority of meals contain processed foods, it is critical to incorporate whole food products as well. Fruits and grains can help your child’s diet include fiber and maintain a healthy digestive tract.
- Sodium
The majority of parents are concerned about their children consuming an excessive amount of sodium from salt. However, maintaining a daily sodium intake of roughly a gramme is critical for youngsters of this age.
- Iron
Along with salt, iron is a critical component in maintaining a child’s body’s circulatory system at an appropriate level. When the diet is balanced, there is no need to supplement with iron.
- Dairy
Milk’s value cannot be overstated. Milk is critical for bone formation and a kid’s general growth and development, so ensure that your youngster drinks a glass of milk everyday. You may also provide him with cow’s milk, soy milk, or almond milk.
- Water
While the position of water in the list of nutritive components may appear surprising, you might be astonished to learn that only a few youngsters fulfill the daily need of 1.3 liters of water. As a result, you must determine whether your infant is drinking enough water.
What Is the Appropriate Amount of Food for a 24-Month-Old Toddler?
While your child is growing, this does not imply he has to be fed every hour. He requires no more than 1.5 kilocalories per day at his current age. And this is readily accomplished with a diet that includes a variety of cereals, fruits, vegetables, and other dietary products.
The Best Foods for a 24-Month-Old Baby
After 24 months, your child enters a critical time of his life. Going forward, it is critical for him to grow a healthy amount of weight and build up an energy store that will sustain him throughout life. A few specific meals can assist him in accomplishing this.
- Eggs
Giving your child a full egg, either omelet or boiled, is an excellent approach to increase his weight and provide him with a filling meal. Children can safely consume both the yolk and whites.
- Khichdi
Because it might be difficult to convince children to eat a whole meal on their own, khichdi is an excellent choice that can be prepared quickly and is packed with nutrients owing to the inclusion of grains and other lentils. Consuming khichdi promotes healthy weight growth and also increases the metabolism.
- Carrots
This veggie complements almost every type of dish preparation. Yes, you should be bored with it, but it is critical for your child. Potatoes should be included in your child’s diet. At this age, starchy veggies are absolutely necessary.
- The curd
From an early age, a child needs strength. The milk cream or curd is an excellent source of fat and also offers energy to the body, which may be manufactured optimally by the body and be useful to the kid.
- Shakes
Your youngster may complain about not being able to drink his daily glass of milk. Combining the same with a fruit may assist transform it into a delectable milkshake that delivers additional nourishment and is sure to please your child.
- Ghee
At this age, adding a teaspoon of ghee to vegetables served to your child should become second nature. While veggies should be cooked in ghee, you may use olive oil to maintain your personal health.
- Almonds
Breakfast is an excellent time to introduce your youngster to a variety of nuts. Allow it to be combined with cereal or give him a few when he awakens in the morning. Everything from nuts to cashews to raisins is beneficial when consumed in moderation.
- Flaxseeds
A balanced diet of proteins, lipids, and fiber is critical for the growth of a newborn. You can supplement his diet with flaxseed to satisfy these essential requirements. While flaxseeds are quite popular, pumpkin and melon seeds also work well.
- Nutella
Yes, this is a nutritious snack for your youngsters. Although it is preferable to reserve peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for special occasions, you may include the butter into a variety of recipes due to its high fat and energy content.
- Jaggery
The majority of families use refined sugar to enhance the sweetness of their recipes. Not only is substituting jaggery a healthier option for everyone, but it also promotes the child’s health.
Disclaimer:
- Each child is unique, so use these meal plans as a guideline only. You may adapt the meals to your child’s tastes / dietary restrictions.
- Never feed a child by force.
- Please follow the directions on the box when making the formula and use the measuring spoon that comes with it.
- When first providing solid food to a baby, watery gruels/soups should be prepared. As a kid grows older, the caregiver/mother must gradually raise the thickness of the liquids to accommodate the child’s swallowing ability. Those that are too thick may induce stomach upset/additional load, whereas foods that are too watery may lead the youngster to remain hungry.
- Certain children may eat less on certain days, which is perfectly OK. However, if a kid does not eat for more than 3-4 consecutive days, please consult a physician for additional guidance.
- A child’s appetite may decrease during the teething phase or if he or she is ill. On certain days, you might increase breast milk/formula feeding. Once the youngster is back to normal, reintroduce the meals.
- Continue to feed the youngster if he or she has diarrhea.
