Toddler serving size

Knowing just how much a child should be eating can be a challenge.

A common question, particularly for the toddler age, is how much should my child eat?

Toddlers need between 1000 – 1400 calories per day. This is dependent on the toddlers age, their size and the amount of physical activity.

It can be confusing to know just how much food to provide to children, especially as it is possible to over feed. Often you may find conflicting advice.

As a parent you want to get the balance right between too much or not enough.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines identifies the serving size of different foods. A serve of food doesn’t change.

A portion size can alter depending on the snack or meal. For example for lunch you may have 2 slices of bread. Whereas for a snack it may only be one slice of bread.

The distinction between portion size and serving size is key.  The serving size is the guide. The portion size is the amount you actually eat.

Let’s delve deeper into the age group of a 16 month old to 2 years old and how much food per day they should be eating. Bear in mind that this age group is quite active.

                             Cereal and grains                                                                                 Vegetables                                                                          Fruit

                            Meat                                                                                                                 Drinks                                                                                                 Treats