While these basic foods are important for all children, the amount kids need depends on their ages. Use these nutritional graphs to discover exactly what foods and nutrients your child needs.
Age-Specific Recommendations
Ages 1-2
| Food Group (Servings/Day) | Food | Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Milk products (2-3) | Milk Cheese Yogurt | 1/2 cup milk 1/2 ounce 1/2 cup |
| Protein (2-3 ounces) | Meat, fish Dry beans Eggs Peanut butter (or any nut butter) | 1/2-1 ounce 1/2 cup, cooked 1/2-1 1 tablespoon |
| Veggies (1) | All | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Fruit, fresh (1) | All Juice | 2-3 tablespoons 4-6 ounces |
| Bread & Grains (3-5) *Try to make at least half whole grains | Bread Cooked cereal Dry cereal Pasta, rice | 1/2 slice 1/4-1/3 cup 1/4-1/2 cup 1/4-1/3 cup |
| Fat | Butter, soft margarine, oil, salad dressing, dairy products | No restriction of fat for children under 2 years old |
Ages 3-5
| Food Group (Servings/Day) | Food | Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Milk products (3) | Milk Cheese Yogurt | 3/4 cup milk 1 1/2 ounce 1/2-1 cup |
| Protein (4-6 ounces) | Meat, fish Dry beans Eggs Peanut butter (or any nut butter) | 1 1/2-2 ounces 1/2 cup, cooked 1 2-3 tablespoon |
| Veggies (1-2) | All | 1/2 cup |
| Fruit, fresh (1-2) | All Juice | 1/2 cup 4 ounces |
| Bread & Grains (3-5) *Try to make at least half whole grains | Bread Cooked cereal Dry cereal Pasta, rice | 1/2-1 slice 1/3-1/2 cup 1/3-3/4 cup 1/3-1/2 cup |
| Fat | Butter, soft margarine, oil, salad dressing, mayonnaise | Limit to approximately 3 teaspoons per day This is the time to limit fat and sugar |
Ages 6-10
| Food Group (Servings/Day) | Food | Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Milk products (3) | Milk Cheese Yogurt | 1 cup milk 1/2-1 ounce 3/4-1 cup |
| Protein (6-8 ounces) | Meat, fish Dry beans Eggs Peanut butter (or any nut butter) | 1 1/2-3 ounce 1 cup, cooked 1-2 1-2 tablespoons |
| Veggies (1) | All | 1/2 cup |
| Fruit, fresh (2-3) | All Juice | 1 cup 1/2 cup |
| Bread & Grains (3-5) *Try to make at least half whole grains | Bread Cereal Pasta, rice | 1 slice 1/3-3/4 cup 1/3 cup |
| Fat | Butter, salad dressing, mayonnaise, oil | Limit use Goal: no more than 3 teaspoons per day |
(All graphs are from the Little Hands in the Kitchen cookbook)
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About the Author
Jessica Sanders is the former online editor for ReserveAmerica.com. After many years of camping and hiking in the Northeast, she's exploring what the West has to offer and sharing all of her knowledge with you. She's a s'mores master, campsite connoisseur, writer, runner and lover of all things outdoors. Follow her on Google+
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