Healthy food for baby of one year


12 Healthy and Practical Foods for 1-Year-Olds

Your 1-year-old is changing, growing, and discovering at a whirlwind pace. Making sure they’re getting the foods they need may be a concern.

Inconsistent food choices and a fickle appetite are par for the course at this age. As frustrating as it might be, this is entirely normal as your toddler establishes independence and learns to discern their body’s fullness and hunger cues.

By the time they reach 12 months, toddlers need about 1,000 calories, 700 mg of calcium, 600 IU of vitamin D, and 7 mg of iron each day to support proper growth, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (1).

With so much going on, you might be wondering how to best feed your 1-year-old without spending all day in the kitchen or chasing after them.

We’ve partnered with Undeniably Dairy to bring you 12 healthy and practical foods for 1-year-olds.

Around this time your 1-year-old starts to develop their pincer grasp, which involves pinching and maneuvering food with their fingertips, as they endeavor to self-feed. This is a great time to introduce finger-friendly foods.

Softer, fresh fruits are wonderful options for this transitional time and beyond. They not only deliver needed nutrients and a host of beneficial plant chemicals but also help cement healthy eating habits (2).

Slice bananas, clementines, strawberries, peaches, or mango, and slowly introduce them to your child. Avoid large pieces of fruit, as they may pose a choking hazard. Cut grapes into halves or quarters and never feed these to your child whole.

If your child doesn’t immediately take to the new fruit, don’t stress. In fact, studies show a child typically needs to be exposed to a new food 6–15 times before accepting it into their diet (3).

Soft fresh fruits can also be easily made into a smoothie or make an excellent snack when you’re on the go.

However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, make sure your child eats any cut-up fruit within 2 hours after being out of the fridge. If you’re outside and it’s over 90°F (32°C), that time shrinks to within 1 hour (4).

Summary

Soft, bite-sized bits of fruit are excellent choices, especially as your child experiments with self-feeding. Be sure they eat any cut-up fruit that’s been out of the fridge within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if you’re in hot temperatures.

As your child may be slowly weaning off breast milk or formula, it’s a good time to introduce cow’s milk.

Milk and yogurt are great sources of protein and bone-building calcium, which also benefits their developing teeth. One glass (244 ml) of whole milk offers 39% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium that your 1-year-old needs each day, as well as 8 grams of protein. That’s Undeniably Dairy (5).

While you may continue to offer breast milk until 2 years of age or longer, whole fat dairy milk or yogurt may also be introduced at mealtimes or as a snack. Yogurt can be topped with diced fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.

Honey can be introduced now at this age, but be sure to never feed it to a child under 12 months of age. Doing so can put them at risk of botulism, a serious infection (6).

Though dairy is generally safe at this age, be sure to watch for signs of a casein allergy.

Casein is a protein in milk. It’s different from lactose, which is a sugar found in milk that many adults don’t digest well (7).

A casein allergy manifests in about 2–3% of children under the age of 3, although more than 80% outgrow it. It seems to be most prevalent in children who were introduced to cow’s milk in infancy when breastfeeding was not an option (7, 8).

Be sure to introduce new foods, including milk and dairy products, to your child slowly. In fact, it’s a good idea to do so one food at a time and wait 3–5 days between the introduction of another new food to see how their body reacts (7).

Symptoms of casein allergy include wheezing, hives, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your child experiences these or other reactions when you are introducing them to a new food, stop feeding them this food and speak to their healthcare provider (7, 9).

Also, consult your child’s pediatrician before giving them plant-based milk alternatives, as these are generally not recommended for toddlers due to their lack of essential nutrients for growth.

Summary

Whole milk and yogurt are great options as your child weans off formula or breast milk. These provide protein and support bone growth. You can offer them at mealtimes or as snacks.

Little ones won’t master the jaw-grinding motion, which helps with proper chewing, until they’re about 4 years old. In the meantime, their food must be mashed or cut up into small, easy-to-chew pieces (10).

Oatmeal is a wonderful option as your child makes this transition into chewing. It’s easy to swallow and boasts an impressive nutritional profile with a hearty heap of protein, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats (11).

What’s more, oats provide ample amounts of fiber, which helps keep their digestive tracts healthy and regular (12).

While premixed packages are tempting, opt for your own homemade blend when possible to limit their intake of added sugar. If you’re strapped for time, consider making overnight oats by simply soaking them in the fridge overnight.

Mixing your oats with milk instead of water will also pack a bit more nutrients into your child’s bowl. Serve these topped with diced strawberries, bananas, or your child’s favorite raw fruit.

Summary

Oatmeal is a nutritional powerhouse and offers an easy-to-swallow texture, which is helpful as your child develops the skills for proper chewing. Opt for homemade oatmeal over packets to limit added sugar, or try overnight oats.

Pancakes are popular among kids, and whole grains are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Thus, whole grain pancakes are a natural solution to what to serve your 1-year-old (13).

Whole grain pancakes deliver gut-friendly prebiotics, which help feed beneficial gut bacteria. They’re also finger-friendly when cut into bite-sized pieces (14).

Whip these up or buy a mix with 100% whole grains. After sizzling them on a skillet or griddle, top them with freshly sliced soft fruits, applesauce, or a drizzle of honey.

You can even smear a very thin layer of creamy nut butter to add extra protein. Although, given that tree nuts are a common allergen, be sure to introduce this food into their diet slowly.

Summary

Whole grain pancakes are a practical and healthy choice for your 1-year-old. Whip up your own mix or buy a premade 100% whole grain mix. Top them with your child’s favorite soft fruit, a thin layer of nut butter, or a drizzle of honey.

Eggs are a powerhouse food for kids and adults alike.

They support eye health and proper brain development, and they’re rich in protein, healthy fats, and a host of other nutrients (15, 16, 17, 18).

Scramble them or serve them hard-boiled and peeled. Be sure to cut either of these into bite-sized pieces, especially as your toddler endeavors to self-feed.

Note that eggs are among the eight most common allergy-causing foods for children. Most children outgrow the allergy, but it’s important to watch for symptoms, which can include hives, nasal congestion, digestive issues, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Eggs can but rarely cause anaphylaxis, a severe life threatening reaction that can constrict airways or cause lightheadedness or loss of consciousness. Speak with a pediatrician if you are concerned about an egg allergy (19).

Summary

Eggs are excellent for toddlers and adults alike. They’re particularly supportive of eye health and proper brain development. Plus, they boast an impressive nutritional profile and can be part of a healthy meal or snack.

Tofu is a great source of iron, calcium, and protein — with firm tofu boasting the greatest concentrations (20).

A 2-ounce (56-gram) portion of firm tofu provides almost 1 mg of iron, or nearly 14% of the DV for your child. The same serving also provides 12% of their daily calcium needs (20).

Served sweet or savory, tofu is wonderfully versatile. Silken tofu can be blended into smoothies or mashed into bananas, avocado, or cottage cheese. Its flavor is neutral, so all this will do is provide some hearty nutrition.

Toss cubed firm tofu into soups, or stir-fry it with your favorite gentle seasonings. You can also break firm tofu up with your hands and scramble it with your favorite soft vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

If your child has a diagnosed soy allergy, you want to avoid tofu. If this allergy runs in your family, you should speak with your pediatrician.

Summary

Tofu, whether silken or firm, is packed with iron, calcium, and protein. It is wonderfully versatile and can accompany sweet or savory dishes. Add silken tofu to smoothies or scramble firm tofu with soft veggies.

Soft bits of chicken or ground turkey can be great ways to incorporate more protein into your child’s diet. This nutrient is needed for proper growth (21).

Begin by feeding them puréed chicken, turkey, or soft cuts of meat. Poach the protein first, then add milk, broth, or yogurt to soften this mix in the blender or food processor. As they get more comfortable with self-feeding, sauté ground meat or cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.

Avoid any tough or stringy cuts of meat, as these might be too difficult for your child to chew or swallow. Also, steer clear of spicy or strong seasonings, which might upset their gentle stomachs.

Summary

Softer cuts of meat like chicken or turkey can be a fountain of protein for your growing tot. Feed them puréed poached meats. As they get better at chewing, sauté ground or small bite-sized pieces. Avoid strong flavors.

Avocados are a fantastic food to feed your 1-year-old. Their creamy texture is especially helpful during this transitional period, while their impressive nutritional profile supports your child’s growth (22).

What’s more, 30–40% of your toddler’s calories should come from fat, according to the American Heart Association (23).

Avocados are packed with healthy fats, which benefit your child’s brain and heart. Half a cup (75 grams) of diced, raw avocado provides nearly 9 grams of healthy unsaturated fats (24).

Cube or mash them and smear them on whole grain toast or a cracker. Experiment with blending avocado with other soft-textured fruits and vegetables, such as cooked butternut squash or sweet potato.

Summary

Avocados pack healthy fats and fiber while providing an ideal transitional texture for your toddler. Cube or mash them or blend them with other favorite fruits and veggies.

As your tyke weans off breast milk or formula, they need to hydrate. Water is an optimal choice. Fill up their sippy cups and replenish as often as they need.

Your 1-year-old should be getting at least one 8-ounce glass (237 ml) of water a day. They may need more if they’re active, ill, or in hot temperatures. Also, they will need more as they get older (25).

When in doubt, check their diapers — they should be urinating at least every 6 hours.

Summary

Water should be provided as your tyke weans off breast milk or formula. At this age, they should get at least 1 cup (237 ml) each day.

Steaming vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, and carrots, is an excellent way to introduce your child to this important food group.

Broccoli, carrots, and peas pack fiber and vitamin C. What’s more, carrots contain lutein, which supports eye health, while peas pack muscle-building proteins (26, 27, 28).

Venture out with other veggies, including steamed parsnips, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash, too. Serve these with a lemony yogurt dip or hummus.

You’ll want to hold off on serving any of these raw, as they’re still too tough to chew.

Summary

Steaming veggies softens them to an ideal texture for your growing tot. Broccoli, carrots, and peas are great choices, but feel free to venture out.

Half a cup (130 grams) of mashed beans provides nearly 39% of the DV for iron for your child (29).

Mashed beans — whether they’re black, kidney, or white beans — are a rich source of iron, which your child needs to keep their blood cells healthy (30).

Serving these alongside a food high in vitamin C, such as broccoli, diced tomatoes, or mashed sweet potatoes, will help them absorb iron much more efficiently (31).

This iron and vitamin C combo is especially important if your toddler doesn’t eat meat, as the body absorbs heme iron from animal sources more efficiently than nonheme iron from plant sources (31, 32).

Summary

Mashed beans boast impressive nutrients, including iron. This is especially important for your child’s health and helps keep their blood cells healthy. Eat beans with vitamin-C-rich foods to help boost iron absorption.

Hummus blends chickpeas and sesame butter, which pair to provide a bounty of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals (33).

Spread hummus on some whole grain crackers or serve it alongside your child’s favorite protein source, a piece of cheese, or steamed veggie.

There are great store-bought options, but if you’re feeling inspired, this is an easy one to whip up. Simply combine a bit of garlic, sesame butter (tahini), chickpeas, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.

Still, keep in mind that sesame seeds, which are used to make sesame butter, are among the top 10 most common food allergens, accounting for 17% of food allergies in children. Only 20–30% of affected kids outgrow it (34).

For this reason, be sure to introduce this and other sesame-containing foods to your child in very small amounts and watch for common reactions like hives and vomiting (34).

Summary

Hummus is a great food to introduce at this age, as it provides a bounty of protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients.

A lot is going on with your 1-year-old. They’re experimenting with feeding themselves, learning to sense hunger and fullness, and asserting their independence, among several other developmental milestones.

As you navigate this period of growth and change, there are many practical and healthy food choices, including fresh, soft fruits, steamed veggies, tofu, and eggs.

The key points are selecting foods that are easy-to-chew, soft, and highly nutritious.

It’s a good idea to introduce new foods in small amounts and one at a time. With each new food, watch for adverse reactions, and stop feeding them this food if you observe signs of intolerance or allergy.

However, if you suspect it’s simply a matter of taste, or if your child doesn’t immediately take to these or other new foods, keep trying. It might take 6–15 exposures to a new food for your child to accept it into their diet.

Don’t stress if their appetite is fickle or their food choices vary like the wind — this is all part of their process.

Healthy Foods For 1 year Old (with a sample meal plan)

As you transition from feeding a baby to feeding a toddler, here are some easy and healthy foods for your one year old. I've also included tips to help you navigate through this tricky phase.

Jump to:
  • Feeding a 1 year old
  • How to build a one year old's plate
  • Breakfast Ideas for 10 Months and Up
  • Lunch Ideas for 10 Months and up
  • Snack Ideas for One Year Olds
  • Dinner Ideas for 10 Months and Up
  • Food Menu for 1 Year Old Baby
  • Milk for 1 Year Old
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Feeding a 1 year old

Perhaps your baby was an amazing eater and ate everything that was put in front of them. Then they turned into a toddler.

Feeding a one year old can be tricky for many reasons.

Growth rate slows down a lot compared to infancy when they triple their birthweight. And because they’re not growing as fast, you may notice a decrease in their appetite (or not!)

Your toddler is becoming their own person, and they love to test boundaries. Their favorite word may be "NO!" Their interest in food decreases as they just want to explore the world!

They are developing their food preferences, and appetite can be very erratic and unpredictable. One day they love a certain food but want nothing to do with it the next. They may be a bottomless pit one day and live on air the next.

I say all this to highlight that if you notice a change in your child's eating, it is a NORMAL and expected part of development!

So don't be quick to say that your child is turning into a picky eater, and please don't feel like you failed or did something wrong.

The BEST thing you can do is to continue offering balanced meals and allow your child to decide what and how much to eat, even if it's just one or two bites. And whatever you do, don't pressure them! It will only backfire.

Here are some helpful resources to guide you through this stage:

  • Toddler refuses to eat: what to do
  • Help your child eat better with a feeding schedule

Is your toddler becoming picky?

Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!

YES, PLEASE!

How to build a one year old's plate

While I say 1 year old, these meal ideas are also suitable for babies 10 months and up who have transitioned from purees to table foods and are chewing fairly well. It's not like your baby turns one and you have to feed them differently from what you have been doing.

On the other hand, if your child is over 9 months old and struggling to move beyond purees, join my email series that will guide you through this essential transition.

Here's a formula for building a balanced meal:

Protein/Fat + Complex carb (e. g. whole grains, beans, lentils, starchy vegetables) + Fruit and/or Vegetable

  1. Specific examples of foods for each of these components can be found in this master list of finger foods.
  2. Follow this formula every time to ensure that your child is getting exposed to a variety of foods and nutrition.
  3. And this is VERY important - Do make sure to serve at least one food that your child likes most of the time.

Breakfast Ideas for 10 Months and Up

If you find yourself in a breakfast rut, you are so NOT alone! And there's nothing wrong with serving the same meal day in and day out if it means you get to preserve your sanity.

But if you are looking for quick and EASY ways to incorporate variety into your child's diet, these breakfast ideas are for you!

Lunch Ideas for 10 Months and up

Here is some inspiration to help you build your list of easy, go-to meals that are yummy and healthy. Be sure to take into consideration your child's appetite, chewing abilities, food preferences, and allergies.

While cutting food into bite-sized pieces certainly makes it easier for your little one to eat, I encourage you to offer larger pieces of food as well. This will help your child learn to take bites.

Snack Tray Lunch

There is no need to cook anything and you can get a well-balanced meal on the table in 5 minutes!

Check out my Ultimate Snack Tray Ideas for tons of ideas!

Savory French Toast (with veggies)

Add vegetables to a classic kid-favorite breakfast! This savory vegetable French toast or eggy bread is an EASY and fun way to use up leftovers!

Tip: Don't stop serving those foods that your child won't eat or else they will never learn to like them.  Instead, serve a small portion (even just one piece) WITH foods that they do enjoy. Even if they don't eat it, just seeing counts as exposure.

For example, this plate was from when my son was learning to enjoy meat and broccoli.

Pizza

If your child is learning to accept mixed foods, try serving it deconstructed along with a small piece of cooked flatbread pizza (top left) for exposure.

Recipe: Chicken Pesto Flatbread Pizza

Veggie Nuggets

Kids love finger foods and dips. If you have a picky eater, these baked veggie nuggets just may get them to gobble up their vegetables.

Pictured: beet hummus, purple sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, apple

Hummus grilled cheese sandwich

Spread your favorite hummus on bread, add some cheese and voila! Hummus grilled cheese! I have included some veggie-forward hummus recipes to try as well as step-by-step instructions and cooking tips.

Also, be sure to check out this master list of sandwich ides!

Waffles

I love developing veggie-loaded recipes, and if you've never added veggies to your waffles, now is the time!

Pictured: Vegetable waffles with tofu and sweet potatoes.

Breakfast for dinner

Simply changing the way you plate your child's food can invite more fun and encourage your perhaps fussy or picky eater to try a greater variety of foods without much effort on your part!

Zuccchini and Corn Fritters

While they won't be crispy once refrigerated, these zucchini fritters taste delicious cold and make for an easy make-ahead lunch.

Muffins

Muffins are another fabulous make-ahead option! All of my baked goods recipes are freezer-friendly so all you have to do is reheat.

These spinach muffins are super fluffy and moist and packed with nutrition.

For more ideas:

Easy toddler lunch ideas that you can enjoy at home or pack for preschool

Snack Ideas for One Year Olds

Before one, babies do not need snacks. 3 meals and breastmilk/formula is enough.

Once they turn one, You will need to plan on feeding them every 2-3 hours. While most kids need about 2 snacks per day, yours may need just one. Or perhaps none.

My daughter is currently 21 months old and doesn't care much for snacks. She brings her appetite for meals. She's happy and growing. All this to say, follow your child's lead on how many snacks they need, if any at all.

Healthy Snack Ideas for Toddlers

Dinner Ideas for 10 Months and Up

Say no more to cooking separately for your little one with these family meals!

Meatballs

If your meatballs turn out dry and tough more often than not, you need to try these tips and this turkey meatball recipe!

15 Minute Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Your child doesn't like broccoli or doesn't like foods touching each other? You can separate the broccoli from the pasta.

Recipe: 15 Minutes One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta

Sloppy Joes

Cut into smaller, more manageable pieces if your child has a difficult time biting into burgers (or sandwiches). But do continue offering larger pieces for exposure and practice.

And again, if your child is not a fan of foods touching, try serving it deconstructed.

Recipe: Healthy Sloppy Joes

Mushroom Quinoa Risotto

This 30 minute mushroom quinotto or quinoa risotto is much easier to make compared to traditional risotto and requires zero stirring! Its thick consistency is perfect for spoon practice.

Served with butternut squash

Tip: Encourage your child to sprinkle the parsley and squeeze the lemon into their bowl by modeling!

Chicken quinoa casserole

With a little prep work beforehand, this quinoa casserole comes together so easily!

Beef Fajitas

I'm showing a lot of deconstructed meal ideas because they are a great way to expose your toddler to a variety of foods while supporting their desire for independence and control.

If your child doesn't have any issues with mixed foods, then yay! It makes your job much easier. This is why I encourage you to serve mixed foods early on and often.

Recipe: Pressure Cooker Steak Fajitas

More Dinner Ideas for Toddlers

Here is a sample one day meal plan that includes 3 meals and 2 snacks. Remember you don't HAVE to offer 2 snacks. Always follow your perfectly unique child's lead.

  • 7 am - Breakfast: 2 minute oatmeal with fruit and milk
  • 9:30am - Snack: Sweet potato cakes with peanut/nut/seed butter
  • 11:30am - Lunch: Beetroot pesto pasta with broccoli and tofu
  • 2:30pm - Snack: Dry cereal + cheese
  • 5:30pm - Dinner: Hamburger Helper + milk

Milk for 1 Year Old

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 16-24 ounces per day.

It is best to serve the milk WITH the meals. Milk is filling and so if offered throughout the day, it can sabotage their appetite and lead to grazing and not eating their meals.

As you transition from breastmilk and/or formula, start by offering a small amount for your child to get used to the taste and to limit waste.

Also, if your child doesn't like milk, that's OK! Milk is a convenient way to provide the key nutrients that they need. However, as long as your child is getting the adequate amounts of protein, fat, calcium, and vitamin D through food, it's not required.

Here's a deep dive on the best milk for toddlers, including non-dairy options.

I also want to add that if you are breastfeeding and want to continue, do it!! Yes food takes priority BUT breastmilk still provides nutrition and protection against disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a 1 year old eat?


At 1 year of age, solid foods are now the main source of energy and nutrition.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby consume around 1000 calories each day, and half of the calories should come from healthy fats.

And while there is a recommended serving size for toddlers, it is completely up to your child to decide how much and if they are going to eat. It is NOT your job to "get" your child to eat. Your job is to offer a variety of foods and set a predictable and consistent mealtime routine.

It is very normal for their appetite to fluctuate, so consider their food intake over the course of a week rather than by each meal or day, even.

To minimize mess and to make the meal less intimidating, start with small portions and offer more if your child asks.

If your baby is growing, following their unique growth curve, and happy, they are eating the amount of food that’s RIGHT for them, even if it’s less or more than the recommendations or what you think they need to be eating

What foods should a 1 year old avoid?

All of the choking hazards that you avoided as a baby continue to apply. Some foods can be modified to be safe while some need to be avoided completely until age 4.

Whole nuts and seeds - finely grind
Nut butter - thin it out
Chunks of cheese - grate or cut into small pieces
Big chunks of raw/hard fruits and vegetables - thinly slice or grate
Round foods (e.g. cherry tomatoes, grapes) - quarter
Stick and hard foods (e.g. candy and gum)
Popcorn
Hot dogs - cut lengthwise and into small pieces

And make sure they are sitting down when eating. They should never be running, walking, playing, or lying down while eating.

Also try to avoid added sugars as much as possible until age 2.

I hope this post was helpful, and I'd love to hear your thoughts! Let me know by commenting below!

How to feed a child in 1 year? Balanced baby nutrition: sample diet

Proper nutrition of a child in a year is an important condition for harmonious growth and development. In addition, a properly composed diet helps to strengthen the immune system. Receiving new products, the baby gradually gets acquainted with the diet. Pediatricians advise paying attention to the child's diet, its proper balancing.

Nuances of nutrition

The diet of a child in 1 year is subject to the following principles: nine0003

  • should be complete, meet all the needs of the body, provide vitamins, micro- and macroelements;
  • diversity. As many combined foods as possible should be present in the diet daily;
  • all food must be chopped.

Specialized foods must be included in order to properly balance the diet. They should be designed according to the needs of the child's body in a year. If you have any doubts or questions regarding the nutrition of your baby, you can seek advice from our doctors. They will remotely select an individual diet, tell you about all the nuances of the nutrition of one-year-old babies. nine0003

The diet must not be violated

The most advantageous is the diet according to the schedule. An individual nutrition program contributes to the rapid accustoming of the child to the daily routine. Even intervals between meals will not let the baby get hungry. According to the WHO, a child's diet at 1 year old should include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an afternoon snack.

Meal plan for the day:

nine0024

Name

Description

9.00 - breakfast

If the child gets up early, in this case it is permissible to feed an hour earlier. All other meals are shifted by an hour

nine0002 12.30 - lunch

Before dinner, it is recommended to take a walk, which will increase the appetite. For long walks, a snack is allowed two hours before the main meal.

16.30 - afternoon snack

The amount of food is small. Eating easy

nine0002 19. 00 - dinner

Dinner is served on the table two hours before bedtime.

Important! When cooking, avoid fried foods, fatty and fried foods. The first meat broths merge. Salt and sugar are added in a minimal amount.

Which products to prefer

WHO recommends including the following foods in the children's menu: nine0003

  • dairy products. Children under the age of one year do not give milk in its pure form. It is replaced with breast milk or mixtures. Kefir and yogurt are introduced gradually. Their fat content should not exceed 3.2 percent. Sour cream and cheeses are allowed to be given no more than twice a week;
  • cereals. Porridge for a one-year-old child is given only for children. Adult coarse cereals are poorly digested in the baby's body. Allowed: oatmeal, buckwheat, millet, corn, rice porridge; nine0010
  • vegetables fruits. By the age of 1, the child is familiar with apples, pears, bananas, prunes, zucchini, broccoli, carrots, potatoes. After a year, kiwi, beets, peas, apricots, beans are introduced into the diet. Legumes are given twice a week. The rest of the vegetables and fruits are allowed for use every day;
  • meat fish. Hake, pollock, cod are given twice a week, low-fat meat varieties - daily;
  • oil. Butter and vegetable oils are added to ready meals. If the child already chews well enough, it is permissible to smear butter on bread. vegetable oils are chosen only unrefined; nine0010
  • eggs. Up to a year it is allowed to introduce quail eggs, after a year they give chicken no more than three times a week.

Example from practice: One-year-old Pasha's mother made the following menu for him for the day, which she plans to feed him until he is 1.5 years old: For breakfast, porridge/vegetable dishes, cottage cheese 200 g, drink 100 ml. Lunch consists of salad - 30 g, soup - 50 g, second meat course - 50 g, vegetables / cereals - 70 g, compote - 100 ml. For an afternoon snack, mom offers ryazhenka or kefir - 150 ml, cookies, crackers - 15 g, juice, fruits - 100 g. For dinner, cereals / cottage cheese / vegetables are served - 180 g, fermented milk products - 100 ml, fruits - 50 g. nine0003

Further, the weight of the products will gradually increase with the age of Pasha. Mom made up the optimal variant of the diet together with specialists.

Prohibited products for children from the year

The list of products not recommended for baby food includes:

  • any kind of sausages, sausages;
  • fried food;
  • smoked meats;
  • exotic vegetables, fruits; nine0010
  • caramel, chewing gum;
  • products containing flavor enhancers, dyes; flavors.

Children are limited in food with a lot of cholesterol, nuts. The latter can cause an allergic reaction. It is not advisable to give mushrooms, as they overload the child's digestive tract. For all questions, you can contact our doctors at any time of the day. They will remotely adjust the diet and help balance it. nine0003

Norm of food per day for a one-year-old child

The total daily calorie content should not be less than or more than 1300 Kcal. However, these figures are relative, as each child is individual. Someone develops quickly, and someone vice versa. And such children may need a supplement in the diet.

For breakfast, babies should consume at least 300 ml, for lunch - 420 ml, for an afternoon snack - 180 ml, for dinner - 300 ml. nine0003

Dr. Komarovsky advises to purchase only seasonal products. In his opinion, they will be able to provide the maximum benefit for the growing body of the child.

One year old baby menu for every day

Experienced doctors recommend feeding the baby up to 6 times a day. There should be 4 main meals.

Breakfast

In the morning, it is preferable to give milk porridge. Milk is diluted with water before use. Proportions for cereals: 200 ml of milk per 2 tablespoons of cereals. Twice a week it is permissible to serve an omelet from 1 egg. Prepare an omelette for a couple. You can add dill. It stimulates digestion. Wash down with compote, weak tea. nine0003

Snack

Yogurts and fruit purees are allowed here. They stimulate the production of gastric juice, digestion. A healthy snack is a baked apple with cookies. Fruit purees from jars, children's drinking yogurts are suitable.

Lunch

Lunch is the main meal. It can be only the first or second course, or maybe all together. Soups are cooked thick, rich, satisfying. Broths are prepared on boneless pulp. The first is drained, and vegetables are added to the second broth. Let's add some oil. The second offers cereals on the water, vegetables, salads, meat or fish. Spices, roasts are excluded. nine0003

Snack

For a small snack, cottage cheese casseroles, milk porridges, cheesecakes, cookies with compote, milk are suitable. Cow's milk is administered with caution. Start with small amounts, diluted with water. Observe the reaction, as cow's milk is considered an allergen.

Dinner

Dinner is scheduled five hours after the afternoon snack. Vegetable puree, porridge, stew with meat or fish are served. It is allowed to add a little oil to the stew. nine0003

When breastfeeding, the second dinner is allowed in the form of mother's milk. Children who are used to eating at night are gradually weaned from night feedings.

What to consider when formulating a diet

The nutrition of a one-year-old child should be in compliance with the regimen. You can also create a kind of ritual that will look like a joint table setting, decoration with bright napkins, original food serving.

nine0002 If for some reason the child refuses to eat this or that product, he is not completely excluded from the diet. It is recommended to add it in small quantities, mixing with the main dish.

If the baby refuses to eat, it is recommended to shift the time. Perhaps the child did not have time to get hungry. Or you can go for a walk and work up an appetite.

All meals are served in order. Don't put everything on the table at once. In this case, the baby will be confused, will try to try everything at once. nine0003

It is necessary to introduce new products with caution, in turn, starting with small portions. At the same time, the reaction of a small organism to innovations is closely monitored. In case of allergic reactions, the product is completely excluded.

Sweets in the form of confectionery, sweets, chocolate are not offered to kids. Small amounts of honey, syrups, jams, dried fruits, cookies are allowed.

FAQ

nine0002 What must be present in the menu of a child at 1 year old?

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The diet must be present: meat, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, bread, butter. Fish and eggs are given up to three times a week.

What are the most common mistakes parents make when preparing meals?

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The most common mistake is a monotonous diet, consisting of the same products. It is important to try to feed your baby a variety of foods. This will allow him not only to get acquainted with new products, but also to replenish the stocks of necessary substances. nine0003

Is it permissible to include solid food in the diet if the teeth erupted a little?

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Solid foods help form healthy eating habits. In addition, it is useful for teething. Hard pieces help form the correct bite.

Should I put my baby to sleep after eating?

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After eating, the baby is drawn to sleep. However, putting him to bed right away is not right. If the child walked a lot, spent a lot of energy, in this case, yes, it is allowed to sleep after eating. In all other cases, after eating it is better to play. nine0003

What to do if a child refuses to eat with everyone at the age of one?

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You can't force feed a child. It is important to form a strong habit with him that all meals with the family at a certain time. If for some reason he refuses to eat, then until the next feeding he remains hungry. Good habits are formed from childhood.


Expert opinion

The diet of a child in one year should be balanced and varied. Do not try to feed your baby the same food. In this case, he will not get the necessary vitamins, macro- and microelements that are important for development and growth. When feeding, it is advisable to observe a strict regime, accustoming the baby to order. Do not forget about harmful foods that are completely excluded from the diet.


We publish only verified information nine0003

Article author

Pruzhinin Mark Yulievich pediatrician

Experience 30 years

Consultations 1572

Articles 104

An experienced pediatrician with extensive experience and clinical experience in various medical organizations in the field of general pediatrics, resuscitation-anesthesiology and neuroinfection. Works with leading experts, attends international and Russian conferences.

Union of Pediatricians of Russia

Nutrition for children aged 1 to 3 years nine0003

The period from 1 to 3 years of life is a crucial stage in the transition to an adult type of nutrition, which has certain features. In order to ensure that all the necessary nutrients enter the child's body and at the same time prevent an excess of individual nutrients, nutrition should be balanced and varied.

The daily amount of food for children aged 1 to 1.5 years should be 1000-1200 g, from 1.5 to 3 years - 1200-1500, the amount of food in one feeding should not exceed 300-350 ml. The diet consists of three main meals per day and two snacks. It is considered optimal when breakfast is 25% of the total energy density of the diet, lunch is 30–35%, dinner is 20%, and additional meals are about 10%. In general, the child can eat the same food as the rest of the family. nine0003

In the diet of a child of 1-3 years of age must be present daily : animal or poultry meat, dairy and sour-milk products, vegetables, fruits, bread, cereals, vegetable and butter; fish and eggs are included in the diet 2-3 times a week.

Cereal products: bread - 2-3 servings per day, cereals and side dishes - 1 time per day
Fruit and/or vegetables: at least 5 times a day
Dairy products: at least 3 servings per day (including those used to make porridge, yogurt, fermented milk drinks, cottage cheese, infant formula or breast milk). nine0003

Domestic pediatricians recommend, when compiling a diet for children aged 1–3 years, preference should be given to specialized children's dairy products of industrial production that meet high quality requirements and safety indicators for this age. Most children's dairy products are additionally enriched with vitamins and/or minerals and other biologically active components, taking into account the physiological needs of children of this age. At the same time, in foreign recommendations, children over 1 year old are offered the gradual introduction of whole cow's milk, which is rich in fats necessary for proper growth and development, the absorption of vitamins A and D, the development of the child's brain and nervous system.


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