Rewards Login

Password

Print this page

Refer a friend

Nutritional needs for toddlers between 12-24 months old

The key to understanding your toddlers is trying to see the world as he does. His use of language is expanding quickly, but his understanding of the meaning of words is basic. Don't assume too much too soon. Here are some other clues as to how his bright and curious mind works:

• His memory is short
• He can't think ahead about what might happen.
• He doesn’t understand his own feelings.
• He plays next to, but not with, other children.
• He wants to do things by himself but doesn’t always have the skills.

This period, your child will face a significant development in fine and gross motor skills, and social, mental and emotional growth.

What is your toddler doing? Developmental milestones for 12 to 24 month olds:

• Playing with and stacking food and toys
• Deciding when he wants to use a spoon, fork and cup
• Looking at and "reading" picture books, magazine and family albums.
• "Helping" you around the house and in the kitchen
• Sitting in a booster seat at the table.

Given a choice of healthy foods, toddlers are likely to eat a balanced diet but may still fall short in some important nutrients, like Taurine, DHA, AA and Choline. These nutrients are important for your child’s brain development and they are supporting your child’s overall growth. Prebiotics (FOS ) and probiotics will help to maintain a healthy digestive system and help your child to have better nutrient absorption. If you are concerned that your child is not getting the nutrients he needs, talk to your baby’s doctor or nurse about supplementing solid foods with a growing up milk designed for toddlers above 1 year old.

Remember that your toddler is not a little adult. He requires high nutrient and energy intakes, but he may not yet be ready for the flavors and textures of a regular adult diet. To help him keep learning and growing to his full potential, he needs balanced nutrition and recommended amount of essential vitamins and minerals in his diet. But getting him to eat the foods he needs is easier said than done.

For more information on Similac Follow-On, click here. For babies above 6 months.		For more information on Gain, click here. For children 1 year onwards.

If you’re trying Abbott Products for the first time, click here for a free sample.