15 questions about feeding children 1-3 years old

My child doesn’t want to eat anything!

It does not matter. Starchy foods can be offered with each meal (such as cereals). And at this age, mash, rice, bread, pasta or potatoes give him the energy he needs to think and grow. To make him want to eat vegetables, mix them with his starchy foods. And above all, eat it yourself.

What daily energy intake for 1-3 year olds?

These needs are estimated at 100 kcal / kg of weight. Lipids (oil, butter, fat) must represent 35% of the overall energy intake. For proteins (egg, meat, fish), the needs are estimated between 1,5 and 1,8 g / kg per day. Finally, carbohydrates (starting with lactose) should represent 50 to 55% of the total intake.

How to salt and sweeten children’s dishes?

Between 1 and 3 years old, sugar and salt must remain marginal. On a daily basis, dairy products and compotes must come before sweets and cakes. As for the salt, consider that a small pot is five times less salty than the corresponding homemade dish. This dose is the right one for him, even if it seems bland to you.

Growth milk or cow’s milk?

Up to 3 years, milk must remain one of the bases of the child’s diet: at least 500 ml per day. Growth milk, an infant formula enriched with iron and fatty acids, is certainly a little more expensive, but best suited to their needs than classic cow’s milk.

What daily drinks for children?

Water is the ideal drink. The body of the child is mainly made up of it. Thirst being a late signal of the need for water, offer to drink regularly. If he doesn’t need it, he won’t force himself. Choose water without sugar, possibly flavored. Fruit juices and sodas must remain exceptional.

At what age should you say ‘stop’ to the bottle?

On this point, no rule. You have to leave it to your child to decide for himself, while regularly offering him a bottle substitute, which you will value.

Should you feed your child with the rest of the family?

Yes. But, up to 3 years, it is preferable that the toddler eats adapted menus. Yet, according to a study, 64% of 13-18 month olds already eat regularly with their parents. And more than half of them eat the same foods as adults. But few parents know that the portion of the child of this age should not exceed a quarter of that of the adult?

At what age can a child ‘eat anything’?

From 18-24 months. However, on a daily basis, focus on staple foods. On the meat side, 30 g per day (6 teaspoons) is sufficient. As for vegetables, we enjoy them without moderation, except for the dried vegetables (peas, beans, beans), always mixed. By avoiding, of course, allergenic foods (exotic fruits, eggs, peanuts) if the child presents risks.

Can we take my child to fast food?

Not easy to outlaw this hotspot for ‘junk food’, which they love. If your child eats there once or twice a month, the health risks seem minimal., especially if you opt for plain water for your drink (not soda) and if you limit ketchup and sauces. Force the vegetables in the evening if you went there for lunch.

Small pots: until what age?

Up to about 3 years. Infant foods are subject to very strict regulations, offering unique nutritional guarantees for the child. They therefore contain the strict amount of salt, protein and fat that it needs. Free of any additives, their labeling allows you to easily identify allergenic ingredients. Finally, they will help you gradually introduce new flavors.

Should he eat meat twice a day?

No. Serve preferably, meat, fish or eggs at midday meal. The amounts vary according to age: 20 g at 1 year, 30 g at 2 years, 40 g at 3 years. At dinner, favor vegetables and dairy products. Prefer rather lean pieces of meat, easier to digest for those which are particularly fatty (mutton, cold meats, etc.).

  • In video: how to make my child like vegetables?

In video: Emilie Fumet, our dietician gives advice on how to make children love vegetables.

Are there any restrictions on fruits and vegetables?

None ! Rich in vitamins, minerals and fibers, fruits and vegetables aid digestion and contribute to well-being. From 12 months, all vegetables are allowed, excluding dried vegetables (not before 18 months and mixed) and all fruits (except exotic if your child is allergic). For vegetables, vary the presentations (raw, gratin, mashed, steamed?), To encourage them to eat them. The fruits can be eaten raw, in a compote, or in a hurry, at a rate of at least two or three per day.

My child is not eating anything, is he anorexic?

Infantile anorexia does indeed exist from the age of food diversification. Based on a pitfall in the parent-child relationship, it results in a lasting refusal of food. But more often than not, a child of this age who refuses to touch his plate is simply in his phase d’opposition. There is no need to worry if his weight curve and psychomotor development are normal.

My child refuses all solid food, what should I do?

Does your child swear by his bottle of milk? He may just be in regression phase (arrival of a little sister or a little brother, move). Perhaps he also suffers from a eating disorder following a solid food that would have gone wrong, an attempt to force feed or a medical trauma. In this case, he may need help.

My child is too round: can I put him on a diet?

Especially not. Simply rebalance its menus with your pediatrician. The important thing is to vary the foods and to follow a few simple tips: a rhythm of 4 meals a day avoiding any snacking, ensuring the right amounts, encouraging your child to exercise.

Do you want to talk about it between parents? To give your opinion, to bring your testimony? We meet on https://forum.parents.fr. 

In video: 8 Funny Recipes for children

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