Monday, August 24, 2009

Feeding Your Toddler


Remember that, every child, in fact every person in this word has some taste preferences, some like sweet food, some like salty food etc. So, whenever we plan a diet for a child, we should consider the child's interest regarding food.

We should concentrate on feeding semisolid foods to toddlers (ex. dalia, khichdi with curd, dal-rice etc.) because a semisolid diet has 5 times calories compared to milk. So, we should give them semi-solid food thrice and fruits twice in a day.

Don’t force kids to drink milk, but still remember milk needs to be given at least twice, once in the morning and once before sleeping. You can mix something to make it more tasty for them ex. bournvita, horlicks, boost, complain etc. (Nowadays, we get a variety of flavours. I usually don’t keep chips or other savouries at home. In fact I get a horlicks, boost, pediasure all and stock it. Whenever my son feels hungry, I prefer giving him fruits drizzled with honey and a tsp. of boost or his favourite flavor or dry fruits. He loves to have it.) Give time and see gradually they will develop a taste for milk too.

Calcium is found in milk, curds, paneer, spinach (paalak), and nuts, which are also rich in iron and protein. Try to give curd-rice at a meal whereas dal paalak at another. If your child drink milk, substitute it with badam kheer, suji sheera etc. Paneer parathas or cheese sandwich is another good option as it contains calcium and proteins. Yoghurt, cheese, paneer etc contain the same amount of proteins, minerals and vitamins as in milk. So, instead of forcing kids to have milk, we can give them options which are equally nutritious.

Beans like rajma, kabuli chana, lobia, kala chana and lentils like urad dal, tuar dal, moong dal and chana dal are all protein rich foods. Almonds, walnuts, sesame (til), garden cress (sabja) too are rich in protein. Soya bean products like soya nuggets, tofu or soy milk and soya bean flour are good for health too. Which can be substituted according to your child’s taste.

12 comments:

  1. Is it ok for a 2 yrs old to stop milk? My son total refuse milk...

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  2. You have a nice blog. I am single....... so not of much use for me right now but would tell my cousin........ she needs these tips.

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  3. @ little prince's mummy: Anywhere between 14-16 oz of milk will be fine but do give other milk products such as yoghurt, curd, cheese etc. And try for semisolids, dont run for milk everytime.

    Developing taste is easy for some children, and its difficult for some. Add his favourite flavours or fruits in milk. Don't worry! Keep trying and gradually he'll start developing a taste.

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  4. Shabnam Sultan: Thanks a lot... Glad you found my blog useful.

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  5. Hi. Would like to know the diet for a 5 month old baby..

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  6. Start with solids like cerelac, nestum, ragi etc.. When you are starting it for the first time just give 1 or 2 spoons very watery.. Once the baby has accepted it start giving it in more solid forms. Breastfeeding is still the primary source of food so don't force him if he doesn't take formula milk or outside milk. Give the baby moong dal water, banana, boiled apple, pomegranate juice as they are great source of iron. Try to give the baby as much variety of food as possible. Give the baby mashed idlis and pongal/kichdi for breakfast.In the afternoon, give little mashed soft rice with little daal and salt. In the evening, give the baby cooked and mashed apple or carrot or biscuit soaked in milk or cerelac or ragi etc.At night, feed him with veg. soup consisiting of carrots, little tomato, coriander just 2-3 leaves, beans and 1/2 spoon of moong dhal with little salt and pepper. Pressure cook, mash and filter to a soup consistency. Hope this helps.

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  7. this post would help me when I'll become a mom..hopefully..thanks for this informative post..

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  8. Do you know about baby-led weaning? My son has been eating solids since he was six months old :)

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  9. @ Sunita: Your welcome dear... Hope to see you more often...

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  10. @ Mama Coyote: Thanks for visiting.... Do keep visiting...

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