Toddler Nutrition

What you will be able to do

• explain how toddler eating differs from baby feeding and from adult healthy eating.
• serve toddler-sized portions from all the food groups and trust your child's appetite.
• plan a day of three meals and two balanced snacks with suitable drinks.
• choose the right milk for your child's age and protect their teeth.
• include iron- and calcium-rich foods every day and understand New Zealand advice on vitamin D and other supplements for toddlers.
• use pressure-free steps to help your toddler try new foods.
• prepare food to reduce choking risk and know when to get help.

1. 1What toddlers need and why it is different

   Why toddlers (aged 1 to 4) need a different style of eating from babies and adults, and the food groups that build a toddler's day.

   • Toddlers are not small adults
   • The food groups on a toddler's plate
   • Fat, fibre, sugar and salt at this age

   Toddler portion guide

2. 2Portions and a toddler-friendly day

   How much toddlers tend to eat, how to plan three meals and two snacks, and how to let your child's appetite lead.

   • How much is a toddler portion?
   • Three meals and two snacks
   • Letting appetite lead

   Toddler portion guideDaily meals and snacks planner

3. 3Milk, drinks and healthy teeth

   Which milks and drinks suit toddlers, how much is enough, and simple habits that protect new teeth.

   • Milk after the first birthday
   • Water, juice and drinks to skip
   • Cups, bottles and healthy teeth

   Daily meals and snacks planner

4. 4Iron, calcium, vitamin D and supplements

   The nutrients most likely to run low in toddlers, the foods that provide them, and New Zealand advice on vitamin D and other supplements.

   • Iron: the nutrient to watch
   • Calcium, vitamin D and growing bones
   • Vitamin D and supplements: what New Zealand advises

   Food variety trackerVitamin D and supplements checklist

5. 5Variety, new foods and calm mealtimes

   Why a varied diet matters, how to help toddlers accept new foods, and how to keep mealtimes positive.

   • Why variety matters
   • Helping toddlers try new foods
   • Calm mealtimes and family meals

   Food variety trackerDaily meals and snacks planner

6. 6Safe eating and real-life situations

   Choking safety, food safety, allergies, early learning, eating out and vegetarian or vegan toddlers.

   • Choking safety at the table
   • Food safety, allergies and foods to limit
   • Early learning, eating out and plant-based toddlers

   Daily meals and snacks plannerToddler portion guide

• CardsToddler portion guidePocket cards showing typical toddler servings for each food group, so you can serve sensible amounts and stop worrying about small plates.
• PlannerDaily meals and snacks plannerPlan a week of toddler meals, snacks and drinks on one page, using the five food groups and a three meals plus two snacks rhythm.
• CheckerVitamin D and supplements checklistCheck your child's vitamin and supplement routine against New Zealand advice for toddlers aged 1 to 4.
• TrackerFood variety trackerTrack how many different foods your toddler eats over two weeks, including iron-rich foods and new foods tried, so you can see progress across the week rather than meal by meal.