My Biggest Concern Right Now!

Feeding has been an issue between me and my kid. As he got older, he's getting more picky about his food and this is really getting into my nerves! I sometimes feel like he's just testing my reaction when he spits or plays with his food. He would often spit out his food, especially if it has a new taste or different consistency!  But he never spits his  favorites - banana, lugaw and french fries!

So i'm really thinking about the nutrition of my little guy. Most kids by one year can consume family foods of a solid consistency.

Below is the text from Unicef and WHO's Facts for Life

By 12 months:Most children are able to consume 'family foods' of a solid consistency. They can still be offered semi-solid foods, which are easier for young children to eat. Additional nutritious snacks (such as fruit, bread or bread with nut paste) can be offered once or twice per day, as desired, starting at six months. If the quality or amount of food per meal is low, or the child is no longer breastfeeding, give 1–2 cups of milk plus one or two extra meals each day.

They can still be offered semi-solid foods, which are easier for young children to eat.

I've been looking everywhere for sample menu to get a good idea of the best foods to five my toddler. Feeding him has been such a concern, especially since i work during the day, i can't monitor what he gets.  So i'm making it a point to prepare his meals for the day so the caretaker can serve him what i prepared.

Meal plan for toddlers

I contacted our FNRI (Food and Nutition Research Institute), looking for sample menu with our locally grown ingredients for toddlers.  They gave me this very informative and useful guide! Toddlers can eat basically what the rest of the family eats, just in smaller proportions.  The guide below shows how much for kids ranging from 1 to 9  years old.

[caption id="attachment_2016" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Sample Menu for Kids Source: Food Nutrition and Research Institute-DOST[/caption]

When planning your child's diet, make sure you give a variety of food. Here's DOST- FNRI's guide to a balanced diet for kids! Below is a rough of about the food pyramid. Click on the type of food for corresponding amounts per serving.

Here's a rough estimate of the type and amount for food per day:

• 4 to 7 glasses of water and other beverage


• 2 to 4 1/2 serving of rice, grains, bread, noodles, pasta, etc


• 1 to 2 medium servings of fruits


• 1/2 egg


• 1 to 1 1/3 serving of fish, beans, nuts, etc


• 4 to 5 table spoons of sugars and sweets


• 6 tables spoons fats and oils

[caption id="attachment_2013" align="aligncenter" width="265"] Use this guide when planning your kid's daily diet. Source of Photo: Food and Nutrition Research Institute[/caption]

About your little one's milk

I'm still breastfeeding so how much milk he takes in is really a matter of importance to me!  According to the guide above, toddlers should  get  1  glass  (a standard glass is 8 ounces)  of whole milk daily.  I'm quite confident he's getting enough because he takes in 4 to 8 oz of EBM + 4 oz of fresh milk (this also includes chocolate-flavored milk).  Plus he also nurses during the night.

After the first year, SOLIDS should be his primary source of nutrition, so it's ok to feed him first before nursing.  If he gets his milk  before he eats, chances are he'll be too full to ingest his solids!

(Just a note to myself) Do not despair is he spits up the food you lovingly prepared!  This, too, is a phase and shall pass. Patience is a virtue! Today is the best day to develop good eating habits.

Good luck (to me) feeding the precious child!

Also worth reading:

• My teething toddler

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