Nutrition Guide: Preschooler

This unique Nutrition Guide was developed from more than a decade of research, including the groundbreaking Feeding Infants and Toddler Study (FITS) conducted in 2002. It’s also the result of studying the eating habits and developmental needs of babies and toddlers and evaluating that research with nutrition and feeding experts. Unlike any other resource, the Nutrition Guide offers nutrition and feeding guidance, products, and healthy menus all tailored to your child’s development.

Print out the Nutrition Guide for easy nutritional reference specific to your child's stage of development.

* Average estimated intake. Your little Toddler's needs may be greater or less than these stated; always follow your child's hunger and fullness cues

Common nutrition needs and gaps

Preschoolers eat a variety of foods—and they'll let you know what they like and what they don't. But don't let your child's picky eating or small appetite dictate what you feed her. Giving into demands for french fries may get her to eat, but it sets the stage for unhealthy habits.

Research from the Feeding Infants and Toddler Study (FITS) in 2002 found that many toddlers are consuming foods that provide calories but not many nutrients, including desserts, candy, salty snacks, french fries, and sweetened carbonated beverages. Try limiting these foods in your child's diet by offering healthy foods for meals and snacks. That way whatever your child decides to eat, you can be assured it will be a healthy choice.

Other nutrition concerns at this age include:

• Weight. As your child grows, it's important to continue to encourage and offer healthy foods. At home be a good role model and eat as you wish your child to. When dining out look for healthier options. In addition to good eating habits, encourage activity. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that nearly 14% of children ages 2 to 5 are overweight. If you believe your child is overweight, be sure to talk with your doctor.
• Fullness cues. Infants can naturally regulate how many calories they need. They eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full. But as babies become preschoolers, they can lose this natural ability and be more apt to keep eating even after they are full. You can help your preschooler maintain his natural "fullness indicator" by not forcing him to clean his plate or eat when he's not hungry.

Portions: How much is enough?

Portion sizes for adults have grown way too big. But what about those for preschoolers? How can you make sure she has enough without giving her too much?

• Provide three small meals and two to three snacks a day to help fuel her to provide the energy and nutrition she needs.
• Always offer a smaller portion, and then if she's still hungry, give her more.
• It's okay for your child to get hungry. If you've offered at least one food that you know your child likes and she chooses not to eat, that's all right. She'll make up for it at the next meal or the next day.
• Encourage food to be eaten at regular meals or snack time. Learning what hunger and fullness feels like may help your child avoid overeating, which may help reduce the chance for obesity later in life. Avoid providing foods for other reasons such as rewards—use praise instead!

Healthy menus

Our nutrition experts want to make meal planning easier on you! They've developed healthy menus to help ensure that your toddler gets the nutrition he needs to grow healthy and strong.

Preschooler menus

Learn more about products for this developmental stage.

The Start Healthy, Stay Healthy Nutrition Guide Milestone Symbols and Benefit Band are trademarks of Société des Produits Nestlé, S.A. © 2008 Nestlé. All rights reserved.