Important note

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life as the best option for babies. At Nutrino, we believe that breastfeeding is the best gift you can give to your baby. Breast milk not only provides all the nutrients that the baby needs during the first 6 months, but also protects from infections, allergies and strengthens its immunity. Additionally, breastfeeding creates a special, unbreakable bond between mother and child that lasts a lifetime.

As your baby grows, the WHO recommends introducing safe and nutritionally appropriate complementary foods starting at six months, while continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond. If you are using milk formulas, it is important to consult your pediatrician to make the best decision for your baby. The introduction of solid foods should be gradual, tailored to your child’s needs, and always under the guidance of a pediatrician.

Proper Nutrition for a Child Between the First and Second Year

As parents of a newborn, you should encourage healthy eating habits from the very beginning.

When transitioning to solid foods, gradually introduce age-appropriate ingredients.

However, once your child has fully transitioned to solid food, avoid giving them “unhealthy” foods just to fill their tummy, as this can lead to the development of poor habits.

Another important point to consider is that a child’s growth rate slows down after the 12th month. This means your child is not growing at the same pace as when they were a baby.

Growth in weight and height occurs much more slowly. For example, your baby might grow 5-7 cm in height every 3 months during the first year, but during the entire second year, they might only grow 7-13 cm.

This directly affects their need for a smaller amount of food. Another reason is that toddlers are very active and find it difficult to sit still and eat a full meal at once.

There is so much to do and explore that eating feels like a waste of time to them. Additionally, by this time, your child has begun to assert their independence and personality.

They start to understand that they can say “no” and that their various actions will elicit different reactions from you.

Food for a Good Immune System in Children

What Should a Menu for Children Aged 1-2 Years Look Like?

On average, your child needs about 1000-1400 calories per day, coming from five main food groups. Here is what a healthy menu for children aged 1-2 years looks like:

Dairy Products: 2 cups (256g)

Includes: milk, yogurt, cheese. Note that only full-fat dairy products should be served, as they are important for early brain development and are considered essential for the nutrition of a baby up to 2 years old.

Vegetables: 1 cup (128g)

Includes: All vegetables, vegetable juices, as well as vegetable soups and stews.

Fruit: 1 cup

Includes: All fruit and fruit juices. Serve more whole fruit than juice. Also, the juice should be 100% natural fruit juice with no added flavors, colors, or sweeteners.

Grains: up to 60g

Includes: baby cereals, rice, wheat, oats, barley, bread, pasta, noodles, “cold” cereals like corn flakes, etc. (Include whole grains as much as possible).

Proteins: 57g

Includes: eggs, all poultry (chicken, turkey), all meats, fish (bone-free), lentils, legumes, and beans.

What if my child does not have a proper diet? First, don’t worry, as worry won’t solve the problem.

Take a measuring cup (1 cup = 128g) and start measuring your child’s food intake over a specified period (e.g., a month).

Once you have measured the average daily intake of all types of food, you and your doctor will be able to assess whether your child is getting adequate meals for their height, weight, age, and growth pattern.

Keep in mind that the daily required amount listed is indicative for a 2-year-old.

Between 12 and 24 months, your child is still in a transitional phase, so as long as you offer all food groups, it should be fine if they eat a bit more or less.