Elizabeth M. Ward, MS, RD Renee A Alli, MD Your child is
walking, climbing, running, and "talking" nonstop now. Such
developmental milestones mean his nutritional needs have
changed, too. Welcome to toddler territory. Armed with some
basic know-how, you'll discover how best to nourish your child
up to age 3. It's ironic: Because of a slowdown in growth,
toddlers, who are far more active than infants, have lower
calorie needs, pound for pound. That doesn't diminish the
importance of good nutrition, but it does present some
challenges. Toddlers need between 1,000 and 1,400 calories a
day, depending on their age, size, and physical activity level
(most are considered active). The amount of food a toddler
requires from each of the food groups is based on daily calorie
needs. In addition to choices from each of the food groups,
toddlers need the equivalent of 3 to 4 teaspoons of healthy
oils, such as canola oil and tub margarine. 3, at least half
from whole-grain sources 5, at least half from whole-grain
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