1. Childhood Illnesses Slideshow Pictures
2. Parenting and Healthy Eating Slideshow Pictures
3. Parenting - Fitness and Exercise Slideshow Pictures

In this Article

• What should my toddler be eating?
• How do I ensure that my toddler is getting enough vitamins and minerals?
• How do I get my toddler to eat in general and eat vegetables in particular?
• Is there a limit to how much seafood my toddler can eat each week?
• Is there a limit to how much juice, milk or salt my toddler should consume each day?
• How do I deal with my toddler's temper tantrums at mealtimes?
• Should I be feeding my toddler low-fat foods to avoid childhood obesity?
• Should I be concerned that my toddler eats hair, sand, and dirt?
• How do I incorporate breastfeeding into my toddler's feeding schedule?
• I think my child may have a food allergy. What should I do?
• How can I instill healthy eating habits in my child?
• Where can I find healthy recipes for my toddler?
• Toddler Food Guidelines At A Glance
• Toddler Food Guidelines Index

Is there a limit to how much seafood my toddler can eat each week?

Current guidelines regarding seafood consumption are conservative by nature. Concern exists regarding mercury and organic chemical ingestion. One source suggests the following monthly limits based upon seafood type.

• 2 servings/month halibut, sole, mahi mahi



• 3 servings/month monkfish, albacore, canned light tuna, skate
  
  
• 4 servings/month wild Alaskan salmon, black sea bass
  
  
• >4 servings/month cod, crab, lobster, canned (farm-raised) salmon, scallops, shrimp, squid, tilapia

Is there a limit to how much juice, milk, or salt my toddler should consume each day?

The following are USDA guidelines for juice, milk, and salt.

1. Juice: 4-6 oz/day. Fresh fruit is superior to juice and is recommended instead.



2. Milk: 16-24 oz/day. Children less than 2 years of age should drink whole milk; after 2 years of age, they may drink either low fat or nonfat milk. Dairy products can also be a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D.



3. Salt: 2,000 mg/day. Children's food should not have extra salt added exclusive of what the recipe calls for. Hidden sources of salt are common, including white toast (520 mg/slice), macaroni and cheese (1,650 mg/serving), small fries (2,000mg/serving), and pepperoni pizza (4,100/slice)!

How do I deal with my toddler's temper tantrums at mealtimes?

There are two primary triggers for mealtime temper tantrums. Often the child is tired and emotionally and physically exhausted. This situation most commonly surfaces at dinnertime. Unrealistic parental expectations regarding volume and type of food may also stimulate a war zone atmosphere. Dealing with temper tantrums often implies a "time out" session. The one minute/year of age guideline is reasonable. Removing the child from the eating area defuses the situation and will often do the trick. If the child adamantly refuses to eat, remove him from the area and take heart in the fact that he will be more inclined to eat having missed the current meal. Avoid offering multiple chances to entice him to eat. Such activity often leads to the toddler continuing to "raise the ante" at the next similar situation.