By
Lilian Felix
DIETARY NEEDS OF A TODDLER!!!
A toddler is a child of 1-2 years of age. At this period, the child walks with short feeble steps, i.e he toddles. He is now able to share in most of the dishes served in the family but requires more protein of good quality than adults.
A toddler requires the following:
1. Protein: Milk is the best source of protein and calcium for the toddler. Where milk is scarce, a good mixture of vegetable proteins such as cowpea (bean) including soybean products, would provide excellent protein sources for toddlers.
He should also be given lean meat, liver, poultry, and eggs.
2. Vitamin: Toddlers require an extra supply of vitamin C, A and D, either as special supplements or in the form of fruit juice and cod liver oil. This extra supply is necessary to prevent deficiency diseases such as rickets.
3. Carbohydrates: A healthy toddler is often active. Therefore he needs energy food. Cereals and their products are excellent sources of energy.
Also, nutritious snacks should be recommended for toddlers and these include bean products such as Akara, Moi-Moi, okpa (Bambara nut), kuli-kuli ( from groundnuts).
Excessive consumption of sweets and candies spoils children's appetite for the main meal and can lead to dental problems. These problems can be avoided by preventing the child from consuming many sweets.
It is important to note that the youngest child in the family should be given the best part of the family meal because he is still growing.
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