Toddlers can be a challenge when it comes to nutritional intake and feeding. This is the time that they begin to develop individuality and endeavour to control what they eat. Such developmental milestones can make mealtime a struggle for parents. It is important to support the baby with planned meals while also setting boundaries on who has control.
Listed below are some nutrients that are essential for children at 21 months of age:
Glucose from carbohydrates is used by the brain to fuel itself. The amount of carbohydrate required by a 21-month-old child is around 130 grams. This is the same amount needed for an adult brain to work properly.
Babies require a low protein diet. A toddler requires a mere 13 grams of protein per day.
Fats are an essential nutrient for toddlers. They’re is required by the body for absorption of fat solvable vitamins, cellular building, muscle movement and blood clotting.
Sodium works as an electrolyte in the body, and it is imperative for nerve function, muscle contraction and to regulate blood pressure. An infant requires a minimum of 1 gram per day for optimum functioning.
Iron is required to produce red blood cells that carry oxygen through the blood. Iron insufficiency can lead to frequent infections, fatigue, and pale skin. Toddler requires 7mg of iron per day.
Calcium is an important micronutrient required for the development of bones, teeth and even heart function. Toddler up to the age of 3 require 700mg of Calcium per day.
Vitamin D is vital for absorption and utilization of calcium by the body. Children require 300-400 units of Vitamin daily.
Toddlers at 21 months of age require 1.3 litres of water that should come from mixed sources such as water itself, from food, and water contained in milk. Water forms 70-75% of your body weight and is required to structure large molecules, transport other nutrients, lubricate and cushion organs, and flush toxins from the body.
Toddlers have a lower calorific need than infants due to a slowdown in growth. Toddlers require anywhere between 1,000 to 1,400 calories every day, depending on their size, physical activity level and age. This translates to roughly ½ a cup of rice, 1 small fruit, 1 cup mashed or cooked vegetables, 1 cooked egg, and 1 cup of milk each day. Toddlers also require a healthy amount of oils in their meal.
Homemade food that is processed as little as possible is the best way for children to meet their nutritional needs. Some of the best foods to offer 21-month-old babies are listed below:
Eggs can be boiled or scrambled and can be served with butter or cheese.
Flatten the slice of bread and butter it. Roll to make finger food.
Dress up your regular sandwiches by adding a fistful of peanut butter and jam.
Maybe you can add a bit of spinach or tomotoes to them for variety
Excellent source of a variety of nutrients and good fats
Great and tasty source of protein that will leave your toddler wanting for more!
Pureed tomato with a dash of cream would make a healthy and tasty meal for your child.
Mashed banana on pancakes can be served with a drizzle of honey to increase its appeal.
A mixed bowl of whatever fruits are in season will help improve the nutritional intake of your toddler.
This is a wholesome soup option that can be paired with whole wheat crackers is a hearty dinner option.
Encourage your toddlers to try a bite of all new food given to them. Here is a suggested food chart for a 21-month- old baby.
DAY/ MEAL | PRE-BREAKFAST | BREAKFAST | MORNING SNACK | LUNCH | EVENING SNACK | DINNER |
MONDAY | 1 glass milk+ 4 soaked almonds | French toast with maple syrup and berries | Papaya cubes | Spaghetti with meatballs | Apple and pear cubes | Cheesead tomato omelette |
TUESDAY | Milk | Banana pancakes | Muskmelon | Chicken nuggets and salsa dip | Bread slice with jam | Eggs on toas |
WEDNESDAY | Pureed papaya | Peanut butter and jam sandwich | Strawberry Milkshake | Baked Hamour with lemon sauce and rice | Hot milk with 4 biscuits | Koshari with lenit |
THURSDAY | Milk and poached apples | Cinnamon Waffles | Apple rice cakes | Mixed vegetables with rice and grilled meat | Dry fruits | Cheese and tomato sandwich |
FRIDAY | Almond milk | Grilled cheese and bell pepper on toast | 2 wheat-based biscuits | Cream chicken and mushrooms with brown rice | Mixed fruit bowl | Oatmeal porridge |
SATURDAY | Pureed carrots and milk | Sweet potato and papaya hash | Small banana | Meat shawarma wap with hummus | Banana porridge | Couscous with peas and onions |
SUNDAY | Soya Milk | Cereals and Milk with fresh berries | Orange | Vegetable rice with lentils | Milkshake | Green salad with feta cheese and crutons |
Here are some wholesome and nutritious recipes that you can try for your 21-month baby:
You can add a handful of shredded zucchini or carrots or any other vegetable that your toddler does not like that can be masked in this delicious treat!
Ingredients
How to Prepare
Wheat pancakes make a soft and fluffy food item that your toddler would love.
Ingredients
How to Prepare
In a mixing bowl, add together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and mix well. Make a well in the centre and pour the milk, beaten egg and melted butter. Mix until you have a smooth batter. Heat a griddle or pan and pour out a scoop of the batter. Brown on both sides and serve warm with honey.
Tortilla pizza is wholesome because it contains proteins, calcium carbohydrates and fats.
Ingredients
How to Prepare
A warm cup of chicken soup is as good for health as it is said to be for the soul.
Ingredients
How to Prepare
Clean and chop chicken into small pieces. Finely chop or grate ginger, garlic and onions. Grind together the cumin, half the onion, and coriander leaves to a fine paste. Heat ghee in a cooker and splutter the cumin and sauté the cinnamon and cloves. Add remaining onions, chopped ginger and garlic and ground paste. Fry until it doesn’t smell raw. Now add rest of the ingredients and sauté for a few minutes. Add water and pressure cook for 4 whistles. Simmer for 2-3 minutes and turn the flame off. Strain the soup using a sieve before serving to a toddler.
Whole-wheat pasta cooked with cream sauce is a health and tasty option for your young ones.
Ingredients
How to Prepare
Boil the pasta with salt and a spoon of oil. Run under cold water and set aside. Add butter to a pan and melt it. Add in the flour and stir. Don’t let it burn. Add the milk to the flour and stir without lumps. Let it come to a boil and then simmer to thicken and reduce the sauce. Add the peas, salt, grated cheese and fresh cream and let it simmer until the peas are soft. Add the pasta and toss it in the sauce. Cool and add a few olives as garnish.
Here are some feeding tips to help reduce the struggle during mealtime:
Toddlers at 21 months of age can experimental and tough. Do not let it stress you out. Understand that all children are not alike, and their appetites and tastes vary according to their temperament. You will lose some battles, but with patience, you will nurture a toddler who has a varied interest in food and grows up with an adaptable palate.
Also Read: Healthy Food for 2-Year-Old Baby