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Toddler Nutrition
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Food Nutrition

Toddler Nutrition

As toddlers begin to feed themselves, they require a diverse diet from all food groups to support their development and energy needs.

Overview

Food provides the energy and nutrients that young children need to be healthy. Toddlers are learning to feed themselves and to eat new foods. They should eat a variety of foods from all of the food groups.

Daily Nutritional Requirements

Each day, toddlers need enough nutrients, including:

  • 7 milligrams of iron
  • 700 milligrams of calcium
  • 600 IU of vitamin D

Frequently Asked Questions

Toddlers 12‑24 months need about 16‑24 oz (2‑3 cups) of whole milk daily. Milk provides calcium and vitamin D, but it should not exceed 24 oz because excess can displace iron‑rich foods and lead to constipation. After 24 months, you can transition to low‑fat milk if desired, but continue offering calcium‑rich foods such as yogurt, cheese, fortified plant milks, and leafy greens.
Try these gentle tactics: 1) Offer vegetables in multiple forms (raw sticks, steamed florets, blended into sauces). 2) Pair a new veggie with a familiar favorite (e.g., cheese‑topped broccoli). 3) Let your child help with simple prep (washing or arranging on a plate) to increase interest. 4) Keep portions small; repeated exposure (10‑15 tries) often leads to acceptance. Avoid pressure; instead, praise any willingness to try.
Good iron sources for toddlers include fortified cereals, lean meats (beef, turkey, chicken), beans, lentils, tofu, and dark‑green vegetables like spinach. Pairing these with vitamin C‑rich foods (e.g., orange slices, strawberries, bell peppers) improves absorption. Offer a small serving (about 1 – 2 tbsp) of meat or ¼ cup of beans at each meal to help reach 7 mg per day.
Vitamin D comes from fortified foods and sunlight. Provide 2 – 3  servings of fortified milk or formula daily (each cup typically contains 100 IU). Add a fortified cereal or yogurt, or give a vitamin D supplement (400 IU) as advised by your pediatrician, especially in winter or limited sun exposure. Together, these sources usually meet or exceed the 600 IU target.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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