Logo
Children Banner

2 TO 2½ YEARS

I feel proud when I get to choose.

If we are breastfeeding, I still may want to nurse daily or just a few times per week. Breast milk still protects me from germs and is nutritious. Breastfeeding helps you stay healthy too, mom!

When it’s time for me to wean, patience is best. Think of another activity we can do – like reading a book, so we still have that special time together.

I need your help to LEARN TO MAKE CHOICES.

WHAT
  • I can eat what everyone else eats. You don’t need to make something special for me.
  • Let me decide what I will eat from the foods you offer.
HOW
  • Give me a choice when possible. Ask me, “do you want peas or carrots with dinner?” or “would you like red or green apple slices?”.
  • Offer me a variety of foods, even ones you don’t like. Let me try them to learn if I like them.
  • If I don’t like a new food right away, that’s okay! Offer it again at another time. It might take 10 or more times before I decide to try it.
WHEN
  • My routine is important. Let’s try to eat at the same times every day.
  • If I don’t want to eat at a meal or snack, tell me I will have another chance to eat at the next meal or snack time, which should be every 2-3 hours.
  • Remember, I only need water between meals and snacks. A small amount of juice is fine but no more than 4 ounces a day. Too much juice will fill me up so I won’t be hungry for meal or snack time.
WHERE
  • I learn by watching you. Sit and eat the same foods that you offer to me.
  • Teach me I am part of the family. I can help by wiping off the table and tearing lettuce or greens for salad.
  • Let me eat at the table with everyone. I need to be safe, sitting up, supported, with limited distractions.
Boy

I am learning how to do more, like feeding myself and cleaning up my toys.

I love when you tell me you are proud.

Below are examples of meal/snack ideas and portion sizes to serve on my plate.

Here’s what my BREAKFAST might look like...

¼ cup diced raspberries
½ cup low-fat yogurt
Breakfast Dish
½ slice, cut up whole grain french toast
½ cup water

Here’s what my SNACKS might look like...

½ cup dry cereal
½ cup chopped blueberries
1 stick low-fat string cheese, quartered lengthwise
Breakfast Dish
½ cup cooked, chopped carrots
water between meals and snacks

Here’s what my LUNCH might look like...

¼ cup diced kiwi
½ cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
Breakfast Dish
1 slice whole grain bread
with 1 tablespoon peanut butter spread thin
½ cup low-fat milk

Here’s what my DINNER might look like...

½ cup breast milk or whole milk
½ cup cooked, chopped green beans
Breakfast Dish
½ cup cooked, diced tomatoes with ½ cup

cooked whole grain pasta ½ cup low-fat milk

with 2 tablespoons baked, chopped chicken

Daily Suggested Food Group Amounts

Fruits

2 servings a day
1 serving = ½ cup
(1 cup total)

Cooked or soft, raw fruit.

Mashed, sliced, or chopped.

Offer a variety: red, yellow,
orange, blue, and green.

Vegetables

3 servings a day
1 serving = ½ cup
(1½ cup total)

Cooked and mashed, sliced, or chopped veggies.

Offer a variety: dark green,
orange, red, yellow, and purple.

Grains

6 servings a day
1 serving = ½ ounce
(3 ounces total)

Whole grain bread, tortillas, rice, or noodles.

Dry or cooked cereal.

Proteins

2 servings a day
1 serving = 1 ounce
(2 ounces total)

Cooked, chopped meat, poultry, or fish.

Eggs.

Cooked beans, peas, or tofu.

Peanut butter.

Dairy

4 servings a day
1 serving = ½ cup
(2 cups total)

Breast milk (at breast or
expressed) or low-fat milk.

Yogurt.

Cheese.

Look what I can do! Bulb

  • I can feed myself with a spoon or a fork. I still use my fingers so help me wash my hands before I eat.
  • I can run, jump, and climb. Let’s be active together!
  • I learn new words from you. Teach me the names and colors of foods and other objects. I still love it when you read to me.

Keep me safe and healthy. Heart

Now that I am 2 years old, it’s time for me to switch to low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt.

I’m still learning to chew food properly. Please DON’T give me foods I could choke on like whole nuts, whole grapes, seeds, hot dogs, or hard candies, and sit with me while I eat.

Help me brush my teeth at least twice a day with a small, soft toothbrush and smear of toothpaste. I should be going to the dentist every 6 months. This will help keep my teeth healthy.

Be with young children during screen time and interact with them. Remember, to schedule plenty of non-screen time into my day.

Go to top