TODDLER GUIDE
12 - 24 months old
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Food Guide: Toddler Guide
Age: 12 - 24 months old
Providing healthy snacks is essential for supporting growth, brain development, and energy throughout the day. This guide offers nutritious morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack ideas for children from 12 months to 24 months, ensuring age-appropriate, safe, and balanced options.
Morning Snacks:
- Soft fruit pieces (banana, strawberries, blueberries, melon);
- Mini whole-wheat pancakes or waffles (plain or with fruit purée);
- Whole-grain crackers with cheese or hummus;
- Yogurt with blended fruit;
- Boiled egg pieces;
- Oatmeal muffins (low sugar);
Lunch:
- Shredded chicken + soft rice + steamed broccoli + soft diced peaches;
- Ground turkey meatballs + small pasta + cooked carrots + banana slices
- Baked salmon flakes + mashed potatoes + peas + applesauce
- Scrambled eggs + whole wheat toast + spinach + watermelon cubes
Afternoon Snacks:
- Cheese cubes or string cheese;
- Soft fruits (berries cut in half, bananas, peaches, kiwi);
- Mini whole wheat pancakes or toast strips with mashed fruit;
- Yogurt with small fruit pieces;
- Whole grain crackers with hummus or avocado spread;
- Boiled eggs (cut in quarters);
- Oatmeal mini bites or muffins made with fruit and little sugar;
Healthy Drink Options:
- Water (the best choice throughout the day);
- Milk (whole milk up to age 2; low-fat or 1% for 2+ years);
-
Smoothies made with fruit and milk or yogurt.
Avoid: juices with added sugar, soda, or sports drinks.
General Tips for Parents:
- Include one fruit or vegetable with every snack.
- Avoid foods that are choking hazards (whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hard candy, raw carrots).
- Choose minimally processed foods with low sugar and salt.
- Encourage children to eat slowly and mindfully.
