As kids start growing up, parents are constantly faced with a dilemma of figuring out what to feed them. He might have begun eating solid food items but the challenge of maintaining proper nutrition with a variety of food items that can appeal to him can seem like a circus act.
Be it regarding breakfast ideas or any other meals, it is necessary that your 16-month-old toddler gets the right nutrients in the proportion that he ought to have.
Toddlers experience a reduction in the pace of their growth when they turn 16 months old. While their nutritional requirements are pretty much the same, their calorie intake hovers roughly between 1kcal to 1.5kcal at the most.
When putting together lunch ideas for your 16-month-old baby, there are certain essential food items that are considered the best choices to be included in his diet plan.
Being a complete package of multiple nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and fibre, porridge is not only healthy but also quite filling for the little one, early on in the day.
Yes, certain fish products do contain mercury and arsenic, making them harmful for the little one. However, fishes such as herring, mackerel and salmon are quite safe and contain enough omega-3 acids that benefit the brain development of the child.
A simple food item that can provide a huge boost of energy is an egg. Prepare it in whichever form that suits your child, the healthiness in their constitution provides great taste and ready-to-use energy, which should ideally become a lifelong habit. (Avoid the semi-cooked recipes though – sunny side up, soft boiled eggs, and poached eggs.)
Beans are great for either breakfast or even evening meals since they are pretty light on the digestive system and provide enough vitamins, fibre, and iron to fulfil the child’s daily requirement. Preparing soups with legumes are also a great way to include them in the diet.
While eating steamed and boiled veggies is a great way to consume them, you can even make use of vegetable stock to provide him with the necessary immunity boost.
Not only is chicken meat rich in protein, but it is also a great source of iron, which is necessary for kids at this age. Simple chicken recipes are not quite difficult to prepare.
If your little one hasn’t started gorging on fruits yet, it is high time that he begins. Vitamins and minerals are not the only reason for it. The palate that different fruits provide, along with their smells and textures, help in evolving the taste buds of your child.
Amongst many dairy products, yoghurt is recommended by dieticians and doctors alike. These can be paired with different food items to elevate their flavour as well as provide the benefit of probiotics entering his gut and enriching it to function properly.
If you are still breastfeeding your child, then you are all set. But if not, start giving him full cream milk via a cup instead of a bottle. Drinking milk is extremely essential in keeping his growth on track, and keep his nutrient levels optimal.
You don’t need to resort to the typical grain preparations when giving to your child. These can be acquired from a variety of items such as bread, muffins, sandwiches and so on. Make sure different options are included in his meal pan regularly.
To help you get started by putting together a 16-month-old baby food schedule for your own kid, we have provided a sample that can be used as it is or even tweaked to better suit your lifestyle.
Day | Breakfast | Snack | Lunch | Snack | Dinner |
Monday | Banana pancake | Oats biscuits | Pasta | Glass of milk | Cottage Cheese Sandwich |
Tuesday | Oatmeal porridge | Blueberry muffin | Chicken with rice and veggies | Fruits and Yoghurt | Veggie cheese quiche |
Wednesday | French toast | Smoothie | Spinach rice | Glass of milk | Peanut butter sandwich |
Thursday | Cereal mixed with fresh fruits | Apple chunks | Cooked meat with rice and veggies | Oats biscuits | Oats pancakes |
Friday | Wheat pancakes | Soup | Pasta with Pesto | Beetroot cutlets | Scrambled eggs on toast |
Saturday | Cheddar cheese sandwich | Banana milk shake | Carrot rice | Glass of milk | Apple cinnamon waffle |
Sunday | Cheese Omelette | Muffins | Steamed fish with rice | Hummus | Vegetable noodles |
Whether they are proper meals or even evening snacks for 16-month-old kid, these recipes will be quite effective in rustling up something quickly and being nutritive for your little one, too.
A wonderful evening calls for some great snacks. Surprise your kids with these beetroot rolls that are downright delicious.
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Pasta is a kids favourite and this healthy recipe is bound to be a success!
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All kids love bananas and who doesn’t love pancakes! This one will be a hit every time you serve it!
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This is a great way to get your child used to eating a very healthy source of protein. Kids will love it!
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Apart from the usual dinner ideas, here are a few tips that can make the entire food experience better for your kids.
There are loads of Indian food recipes that can be great meal options for your little kid to gorge on. Just make sure they aren’t too spicy or strong on any particular flavour, and make sure to offer desserts in controlled portions.