As a parent, you want to provide the best nutrition available to ensure your little one's early physical growth. Early childhood nutrition is crucial for the development of the first two years, not only to protect health and support growth, but it can also introduce and reinforce beneficial eating habits. As your infant grows into a toddler, you will begin to rely more on foods to include appropriate solid foods to get the nutrients and calories needed to support healthy growth and development. Many parents will face feeding issues with their little ones, such as unruly behavior at the table, eating problems, refusing meals, and being overweight. Undoubtedly, this can become a daunting task for many parents, especially new parents. The key is to be patient and not get overwhelmed during this process; it will take time and tolerance. Considering these topics, I will provide you with the tools and information necessary to provide useful support in this period of age-related transition. During the toddler stage, they gain individuality in food choices often expressed through rebellion. As the child grows from infancy to toddlerhood, the growth rate slows and the child eats less than his or her parents expect. Dietary habits such as consuming foods high in saturated and trans fats should be avoided. Also, milk consumption should be reduced from 24 ounces to 24 ounces. to 16 oz. per day to leave room for foods from other groups. At ages 12 to 36 months, toddlers should consume 30 to 40 percent of total calories from fat and 25 to 35 percent from 48 months. “Typically, toddlers need 1,000 to 1,400 calories per day depending on their age, weight and activity level (Geagan).” According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP...... middle of article ...... for example, parental pressure to eat or use food as a reward has been associated with lower eating quality, while access to and example of nutritious foods has been associated with better outcomes for children (Golley, Smithers, Campbell and Lynch 11-16 » Providing your toddler with a balanced diet of All food groups every day will provide him with the necessary nutrients to nourish his growing body. As previously stated, nutrition during infancy is of utmost importance to support healthy growth and development. help the child develop eating habits that will lead them into a healthy adulthood Be sure to use positive reinforcement I hope these tips can help you teach your little one good eating habits. which will remain with him throughout his life. Enjoy this delightful experience with your little one..