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Childhood Nutrition Guide: From Birth to Toddler

A child’s first few years of life are important to their continued growth. What they eat can help them create healthy habits and keep them from getting sick.

Breastmilk Benefits

Breastmilk is packed with the perfect mix of nutrients babies need. Breastmilk helps protect your baby against:

  • Allergies
  • Earache
  • Colds, coughs and wheezing
  • Diarrhea
  • Becoming overweight
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

 Did you know?

Did you know babies are born with some protection against diseases? This immunity was passed to them during your pregnancy. Breastfeeding helps protect them even more. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies only have breastmilk or formula during the first 6 months of life. Learn more about breastfeeding and formula feeding.

Feeding Your Baby

Breast Feeding Tips

Solid Foods

Most babies are ready at 6 months old and about 13 pounds. Look for the signs:

  • They can sit up and hold their head steady.
  • They swallow food instead of pushing it out with their tongue.
  • They put their hands or toys in their mouth.
  • They show they want food by leaning forward and opening their mouth.

What foods should you start with?

Solid foods introduce babies to new tastes and textures. Be sure to wash all of your fruits and vegetables. Remove seeds and pits to prevent choking. Go slow and be patient – remember, this is all new for them.

Keep it simple

Start with one food at a time and try it for a few days before you add something new. This helps you see if your baby has any problems like gas, diarrhea, vomiting or a rash from that food. It’s normal for a baby to refuse food at first, so don’t force it. Just try again in a week or so. And if it continues, talk to your baby’s provider.

Keep it nutritious

Feed your baby foods like pureed fruits, vegetables or meats and iron-fortified cereal, which have iron and zinc that are good for their growth. If you make your own baby food, make sure it’s mushy. You should be able to easily squish the food between your fingers. and DO NOT add sugar, salt, or honey. You can add flavor by adding herbs and spices, like cinnamon and ginger.

Keep it safe

Be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables. Remove seeds and pits to prevent choking. The food should be soft and easy to swallow. Cook, puree, or add water to food until it is easy to mash. Cut soft foods like bananas, grapes, potatoes, and chicken into small pieces to avoid choking.

What foods and drinks should you avoid?

  • Keep cereal out of their bottles. This can increase the risk of choking.
  • Don’t give your baby juice. It can lead to diarrhea and tooth decay. Children can have juice at 1 year. It should be limited to 4 ounces per day. Try juice with no added sugar to start.
  • Don’t give them goat's milk, cow’s milk, nut milk (almond), or honey before they are 1 year-old. These things given too early can cause serious illness.
  • At 1 year old they can start to drink cow’s milk. Your provider can help you decide which type of milk is best for your child.

What about food allergies?

Introduce new foods one at a time and in very small amounts to help spot a reaction. These symptoms include skin rashes, swelling of the lips or face, sneezing, running or blocked nose, red itchy or watery eyes, and trouble breathing. Wait 3 to 5 days between each new food. If food allergies run in your family, ask your baby’s provider the best way to start those foods. 

Childhood Diet

Children need nutrients to help them grow. This includes vitamins, minerals, and protein. Foods with no added sugar and that are low in salt are best. Don’t focus on your child clearing their plate. Instead, focus on what types of food you offer.

Nutrient-rich foods for kids

Try to create healthy eating habits with nutrient-filled options like:

  • Protein
    • Chicken
    • Eggs
    • Beans
    • Peas
  • Fruits
    • Fresh, frozen, canned, and dried are good options.
    • Choose canned fruit that says no sugar added or no syrup.
  • Vegetables
    • You get the nutrients with fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables.
    • Remember beans and peas also have lots of protein.
    • For canned or frozen vegetables, look for ones that are “no salt added” or lower in sodium.
  • Whole grains
    • Whole-wheat bread 
    • Whole-wheat pasta
    • Brown rice
    • Oatmeal
  • Dairy
    • Whole milk up to 24 months. Limit to 2 cups per day.
    • Fat-free or low-fat milk
    • Greek yogurt
    • Low-fat cheese

 Foods to Limit

  • Added sugar found in soda, cereals, and sweets. Look for 100% juice with no sugar added. Natural sugar, like what is found in fruit and milk is better.
  • Saturated fats, or the fats found in butter, hot dogs, red meat, pizza and many desserts like ice cream. Low daily intake of these fats is fine but try and balance these items with fruits and vegetables.
  • Foods with lots of salt, also known as high sodium foods. Look at the labels of crackers, chips, and processed foods like mac and cheese and pizza. Encourage fruits and whole grains for snacks instead of sweets and chips.

Don't limit choices to just the foods you like. Let them discover healthy options that their taste buds enjoy. Ask your child's provider if you have concerns about diet or food choices.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a special nutrition program for low-income families. WIC can provide you with healthy foods at no cost, nutrition education and referrals to other health services. WIC parents who breastfeed receive an enhanced food package and can participate in WIC longer. Talk to your provider, health plan or visit their website to learn more. Visit WIC.