The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up until two years of age, given its many benefits to infants and toddlers. Studies show that breastfeeding lessens the risk of infections and chronic diseases, and it supports brain development as well as higher learning potential.
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Nursing your toddler does not have a set limit or recommended number of times per day. Typically, after 12 months of age, you can feed your baby solids before nursing or vice versa. It is also important to include complimentary foods in your toddler’s nutrition, and your breastmilk will adequately fill in nutritional gaps.
The amount you breastfeed will gradually decrease as your toddler develops. When you reach this stage, you must take the necessary effort in preparing meals for your child to fulfill his nutritional needs.
What should my toddler’s meals consist of?
Planning your toddler’s meals to complement your breastfeeding can be a challenge. Here are the minerals and vitamins you need to include to make your baby’s meals nutritious:
- Carbohydrates – complex carbohydrates like whole grains regulate digestion and fight diseases that can have roots in early childhood development.
- Protein – your child’s daily intake of protein can be fulfilled by non-dairy sources, such as fish, meat, and legumes. Consult your pediatrician to check for allergies, especially if you choose to include eggs or nut butter in your child’s diet.
- Fats – breastmilk has a high-fat content, but you can also look for other sources to fill in your toddler’s needs. Other fat sources include avocado, fish, and different oils.
- Iron – toddlers between one to three years of age require 7 milligrams of iron per day. Iron prevents growth and learning deficiencies, as it is essential in producing red blood cells. Some examples of iron-rich food include lean meats, salmon, and eggs.
- Vitamin C – vitamin C improves iron absorption. Common sources of vitamin C include oranges and tomatoes.
- Calcium – toddlers between one to three years of age require 500 milligrams of calcium per day. This important mineral promotes muscle, teeth, and bone development for your growing toddler. Dairy is one of the most common sources of calcium. Non-dairy options are also available, such as beans and dark green vegetables (e.g. broccoli, kale, collard greens).
- Vitamin D – calcium can’t be absorbed without vitamin D. Sunlight exposure can supply daily vitamin D needs, but it can also be obtained from food sources. Beef, cheese, and egg yolk are examples of foods rich in vitamin D.
Read about Extended Breastfeeding and Frequently Asked Questions
Should you include cow’s milk in your toddler’s diet while breastfeeding?
Breastmilk has a higher fat content compared to cow’s milk. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that aid brain development. Apart from being economical and accessible, breastmilk also has antibodies that protect your child against illness. Additionally, breastmilk does not cause allergies, unlike cow’s milk.
How much should you feed your toddler?
It is normal to start introducing solid food to your toddler at 12 months of age. Incorporating new foods may lead to changes in how often you should feed your child daily. Remember to set a ratio of solids to breast milk to maintain a balanced diet. Doing so will also prevent poor eating habits from developing in the future.
Breastmilk should comprise the majority of your child’s diet at 12 months. At this stage, you can gradually start introducing solid foods to go with your breastfeeding routine. For instance, if you nurse four times a day, you can feed your baby solids for one mealtime, while sticking solely to breastmilk for the rest of the baby’s mealtimes. Given this scenario, your ratio of breast milk to solids is 3:4 or 75%.
This ratio needs to gradually increase as your baby grows. 18-month-old toddlers can consume breastmilk and solids at 50%, and for 18 months, you can safely set it at 80% solids and 20% breastmilk.
Keep in mind that each child may adjust to solids differently, especially if they have food sensitivity. Just continue to offer solids in small amounts, but do not force your baby to eat them. Also, remember the recommended daily intake of certain vitamins and minerals when preparing solid food for your baby.
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