Sample Meal Ideas for Toddlers

by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D.reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

This meal plan is a good example of what--and how much--to feed a child who is between one and three years old. For an estimate of how large a serving should be, a useful rule of thumb is to give one tablespoon of each food for every year of your child's age. Make a child drink water more often than any other beverages especially during snack time. Water doesn't contain calories and is helpful in keeping your child's teeth healthy.

For breakfast:

1/3 cup cooked cereal
1/2 banana
1/2 slice toast with 1/2 teaspoon butter
4 ounces whole milk

For a morning snack:

2 graham crackers
4 ounces fruit juice

For lunch:

1/2 peanut butter and jelly sandwich
2 tablespoons cooked broccoli
1/4 cup melon
4 ounces whole milk

For an afternoon snack:

1/2 cup yogurt
1/4 muffin

For dinner:

1-1/2 ounces chopped chicken
2 tablespoons peas
2 tablespoons baked potato with 2 teaspoons butter
1/2 slice whole wheat bread
4 ounces whole milk

For a snack:

1/2 cup canned fruit
1/2 ounce cheese
2 or 3 whole grain crackers