Foods to encourage and avoid for your toddler

What can I feed my toddler from 2 years and up?

*Semi-skimmed milk Babies and toddler under 2 years need full-fat milk to ensure they get enough calories and vitamin A. However, after their second birthday, you can switch to semi-skimmed if they’re eating well and are a healthy weight.
*Fruit and vegetables
*Meat, fish, beans and lentils , but not swordfish, shark and marlin. These contain relatively high levels of mercury, which may affect the developing nervous system.
*Cereals
*Iron-rich foods

What can’t I feed my toddler from 2 years and up?

*Skimmed milk Skimmed milk isn’t suitable for children under 5 years because it does not have enough calories or vitamins A and D.
*Whole or chopped nuts , and if someone in your family has a nut allergy, consult GP before introducing nut products.
*Raw or partially cooked eggs
*Swordfish, shark and marlin contain relatively high levels of mercury, which could affect the developing nervous system, so aren’t recommended for babies, and children up to the age of 16.
*Added sugar
*Added salt

For more on baby, toddler and child nutrition, feeding issues and recipe ideas, don’t miss Practical Parenting magazine each month.