A healthy diet for a toddler is different to that for an older child or an adult because toddlers need a more nutrient rich diet as they are growing rapidly
Use some butter, margarine and oils in cooking.
Give a mixture of white and some wholemeal/wholegrain breads and cereals because just wholegrain foods are too filling for toddlers.
Limit cake, puddings and biscuits to one small serving per day and serve alongside fruit.
Toddlers will get adequate amounts of all the nutrients and energy they need if their diet is based on combining foods from the five food groups, along with a daily vitamin D supplement.
The nutrients in a healthy, balanced diet are protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, omega 3 and 6 fats, and other protective plant compounds, fibre and fluid.
Toddlers will eat best when they have a routine of three meals and two to three planned snacks per day organised around their sleeping pattern
Eat with your toddlers and praise them when they eat well, as this will encourage them to enjoy their meals.
Give your toddler between six and eight drinks per day to ensure adequate hydration that is, a drink with each meal and snack
More may be needed in very hot weather or if they are particularly active.
Use beakers and cups instead of bottles.
The best drinks to give between meals and snacks are water or milk.
Dilute drinks containing sweeteners with a lot of water.
Do not give sugary drinks including fruit juices and smoothies to toddlers.
Tea, coffee or fizzy drinks are also unsuitable for toddlers.
Give toddlers a vitamin A & D supplement each day
This is for normal growth and development and to prevent rickets.
It is especially important for fussy eaters, toddlers of African, African-Caribbean and South Asian origin and those living in the northern areas of the UK.
Vitamin drops usually include vitamin C which helps with iron absorption.