Early Life Nutrition
First steps, first words, first birthday. So much has happened in the first year of your baby’s life.
This time is all about rapid growth and development – and your toddler will need the right balance of energy and nutrition to support all these changes. Early life nutrition plays such an important part in their young lives, supporting the ongoing development of their brain and immune systems.
Good nutritional planning should continue throughout your child’s first few years. At every stage of your toddler’s development, Nutricia offers the support and expert advice in early life nutrition to help support your child’s progress.
Please note: This website contains information of a general nature only and is not a substitute for advice from your health professional.You should always check with your healthcare professional before relying on any information posted on this site.
Toddler
12-24 months
Introduction of other drinks
After your child turns one, you can introduce drinks other than breast milk, formula or water. This can include cows’ milk or toddler nutritional supplements.
Find out more at: HealthED
Did you know?
If you decide to give your baby juice, make sure it’s diluted, as high levels of fructose can cause restlessness, gas and stomach distress in toddlers.
Sue, Nutritionist
What is a toddler nutritional supplement?
Toddler nutritional supplements are especially formulated milks for toddlers from the age of one year for when their diet is inadequate. They are mostly cows’ milk based and contain energy and essential vitamins and minerals for growth and development.
Find out more at: NHMRC
Did you know?
A toddler's stomach is much smaller than an adults and therefore they require small frequent meals of nutrient rich foods.
Find out more at: NHMRC Nutrient Reference Values for ANZ
Christine, Registered Dietitian
Role of toddler nutritional supplements
Toddler nutritional supplement drinks are scientifically formulated for toddlers from the age of one year. They are supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals for growth and development, for when dietary intake may be inadequate.
Studies show that toddlers who have excess cows milk in their diet are likely to be iron deficient, as whole cows milk is a poor source of iron.
Find out more at: NHMRC Nutrient Reference Values for ANZ
Nutrition and the Immune System
Some toddler nutritional supplement drinks provide additional support, such as prebiotics, for your child's developing immune system.
When can a formula-fed toddler move to cows' milk?
From 1 year of age, toddlers can begin drinking cows’ milk. It is recommended that this be full fat milk or semi skimmed milks from the age of 2 onwards, and that low fat or skim milks are avoided.
No more than 500mL per day
Find out more at: HealthED
Did you know?
Toddlers should be getting the majority of their nutrition through solid food. Their consumption of cows' milk (or a toddler nutritional supplement) should be limited to no more than 500mL per day so they continue to eat their meals.
Christine, Registered Dietitian
Rapid growth during the toddler years
A toddler grows more in the first three years of life than they will at any other time. Their stomach though is still very small, limiting the volume of food they can consume. This is why a toddler's nutrition is so important.
Did you know?
A toddler will grow double their height and five times their weight in the first 3 years of life.
Sue, Nutritionist
Main nutrient gaps in a toddler's diet
In Australia and New Zealand there is a prevalence of vitamin D, iodine, selenium and iron deficiency in toddlers. All of these are important for growth and development.
Find out more at: NHMRC Nutrient Reference Values for ANZ
Did you know?
Good sources of iron include red meat, liver, chicken, fish and some toddler milk supplements. Tofu, green leafy vegetables and dried fruits also contain some iron.
Christine, Registered Dietitian
Toddler diets
It is important that toddlers receive a variety of foods from the four main food groups:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Breads and cereals
- Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans and other alternatives
- Milks, yoghurts, cheeses and/or alternatives
Find out more at: NHMRC
Did you know?
Toddlers should be encouraged to eat a family meal rather than anything specially prepared.
Find out more at: NHMRC Nutrient Reference Values for ANZ
Sue, Nutritionist
Omega 3 DHA fatty acids for toddlers
Omega 3 DHA fats are important for brain and eye development. They are predominantly found in oily fish such as mackerel, herrings, sardines, salmon and tuna. They are also added in some toddler nutritional supplement drinks.
40mg per day
Find out more at: Omega 3 Centre
Did you know?
Fats in the diet are important as they aid in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
Christine, Registered Dietitian
Iron for toddlers
Iron is important for brain development in toddlers. Low iron can have an impact on their ability to learn, reduce their appetite, and make them lethargic.
9mg per day
Find out more at: NHMRC Nutrient Reference Values for ANZ
Did you know?
Good sources of iron include red meat, liver, chicken, fish and some toddler nutritional supplements . Tofu, green leafy vegetables and dried fruits also contain iron.
Christine, Registered Dietitian
Immunity during day care
Your child getting sick and missing day care is a reality for working mums. Providing good nutrition to support their immune system will help minimise the number of days off from day care.
Nutrition and the Immune System
70% of the immune system lies in the gut which is why nutrition is so important for toddlers.
What are the best sources of calcium for toddlers?
Along with adequate vitamin D and regular exercise, calcium is important for bone and tooth development in toddlers. The best sources of calcium are dairy products such as milk (cows’ milk or toddler nutritional supplements), cheese and yoghurt.
500mg per day
Find out more at: NHMRC Nutrient Reference Values for ANZ
Did you know?
Vitamin D and exercise are also important factors in bone development.
Sue, Nutritionist
