Every parent cares about the health of their child, so questions about their proper diet are never left without due attention. A child’s menu at 2 years old becomes more varied and satisfying. The nutrition of a two-year-old baby has its own characteristics that you should know about. Children at this age are gradually becoming familiar with adult food, but it is still too early to completely switch over to it. Much of what you eat is still harmful to the digestive system of a small organism.
When compiling a menu for a 2-year-old child, it is necessary to take into account the needs of the growing body for nutrients. The baby has teeth and is already able to chew food. You need to gradually accustom him to solid food: thick porridge, boiled meat, fruits and vegetables.
The most high-calorie food should be eaten at lunch. Due to the rapid development and growth of a small organism, its nutrition at 2 years is radically different from what it was at 1 year.
Strategic planning
It is advisable for the whole family to create a meal plan for the week with recipes. You will get more bonuses if your children tell you what they want to see on their plate. Write a shopping list for the week together and go shopping together. Resist the temptation to buy chips, sugary drinks, and smoked sausage. A meal plan drawn up together will help optimize purchases and teach children not to buy fast food. At the same time, you will not forget anything and, perhaps, even save on excesses.
Vitamins for a 2 year old child.
Features of the diet of a two-year-old child
The list of foods that must be present in the diet of a 2-year-old child, and what should be excluded at this age, is presented in the table.
| Healthy | Harmful |
| Natural yogurt, hard cheese, kefir, butter, cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, yogurt, milk. | Milk-containing, sour cream-containing, cheese products, spread, margarine. |
| Sea fish: perch, pollock, cod, flounder, salmon, pink salmon, hake. Freshwater fish: pike, pike perch, river perch. | Canned food, smoked, dried, dried fish, semi-finished products, herring. |
| Dietary meats: chicken, veal, turkey, beef, rabbit, lean pork (rarely). Sometimes: sausages, high quality boiled sausage, made specifically for baby food. | Lamb, fatty pork, duck, goose, lard. Smoked sausages, sausages of dubious quality, marinated, dried meat, hamburgers, hot dogs, and other fast foods. |
| Sweets: marmalade, curd or fruit dessert, marshmallows, marshmallows, soufflé. Dry cookies, sponge cake, shortbread, homemade baked goods. | Chocolates, cream cakes, baked goods, puff pastry products. Chips, crackers, dried potatoes, corn sticks with spices. |
| Natural fruit and vegetable juices, compotes, jelly, cocoa with milk. | Carbonated sweet drinks, or made from dry powder, store-bought juice. |
Important!
Hypoallergenic fruits and vegetables should be on the table every day in any form.
Dishes for children 2 years old cannot contain artificial colors, flavors, or flavor enhancers. It is better to refuse the various sauces and mayonnaises sold in stores.
A two-year-old child should not eat fast food or other foods with flavorings or additives.
Do not get carried away with fried foods; try to bake foods in the oven, stew, boil or cook in a slow cooker.
By this time, the child has already grown about 20 teeth, so replace pureed and crushed food with denser food, cut meat, fish, and vegetables into small pieces.
Diets, vegetarianism and other principles of avoiding certain foods are unacceptable for a healthy child. The body needs to receive all vitamins and nutrients in proper quantities.
Some parents encounter problems when feeding their baby - whims, refusal to eat, crying. To cope with this situation, set a precise feeding schedule and try not to deviate from it by more than 10 to 15 minutes. The child will develop a routine and habit of eating at the same time.
What to include on the list?
The baby’s nutrition is a priority in the family, so you should focus on the recommendations for a 2-year-old:
- four meals a day for children;
- hot dishes for any meal;
- breakfast and dinner make up 20-25% of the daily requirement, lunch – 40%, afternoon snack – 10%;
- per day, a 2-year-old baby needs 1200-1400 g of food or 1000-1400 kcal: 1.5 cups of vegetables, 1 cup of fruit, 2 cups of dairy products, 50 g of protein food, 110 g of grains, 4 tsp. any oil;
- the optimal ratio of fats, proteins and carbohydrates for children is 1:1:4;
- The children's menu should be varied, the recipes should be interesting;
- If the child eats “like a sparrow,” we increase the calorie content of the dishes, or feed them often, but little by little throughout the day.
Lentil soup
Lentil soup is very healthy, so if your child likes it, he’s really lucky!
You will need:
300 g lentils, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 stalk of celery, 2 liters of broth, 50 ml olive oil, spices, yogurt.
Preparation:
Chop the vegetables and lightly fry in olive oil directly in the pan. Add spices and dry lentils, fry for another 3 minutes and add water. Boil the soup until the lentils are ready, blend with a blender and serve with yogurt.
Sample menu for the day
- For breakfast we are planning a simple dish: an omelette or porridge. Oatmeal is prepared quickly if you simply pour boiling water over it, cover with a towel, let it brew for a few minutes and add a knob of butter. Buckwheat and millet porridge are also a good solution.
- For lunch - simple vegetable soup or borscht. For children, it is better to cook it in water or diluted broth. Puree soups are tasty and nutritious. The set of vegetables in them can be different: zucchini, pumpkin, potatoes, white cabbage, broccoli, carrots. Boiled meat, stewed or baked fish, vegetables, salad also fit into the concept of a healthy diet. If there is pasta on the menu, try to avoid meat and fish. Dessert and drinks - to choose from.
- Fruit, jelly with a slice of whole grain bread, kefir or fermented baked milk are suitable for a children's afternoon snack.
- Make dinner light: casserole, lazy dumplings, steamed cheesecakes, vegetable stew, boiled meat or a piece of steamed fish (the last two menu items are appropriate if the norm of protein products has not been exhausted during the day).
At what age can a child have an omelet?
Some 2-year-olds are accustomed to drinking milk before bed. Modern research warns that feeding cow's milk before the age of 3 years can cause calcium deficiency in the body and provoke an increase in nervous excitability. Therefore, it is better to exclude it from the diet. Replace the milk with formula, or more accurately, with water, gradually reducing the amount. There will come a time when the baby gets used to falling asleep without a bottle.
Forget about sausages, sandwiches, cereals covered in milk or yogurt, and try to train yourself to prepare quick, tasty and healthy breakfasts for the whole family.
Diet
For most 2-year-old children, four meals a day are sufficient. Pediatricians recommend feeding your baby on a schedule, taking a break between feedings of 3.5-4 hours.
If your child eats his first meal at 8:00 am, feed him lunch at 12:00 pm. After a nap, prepare a light but satisfying afternoon snack - at 15-30 - 16-00. And call me for dinner at 19-00.
- For breakfast, the basis of nutrition should be porridge with the addition of a small amount of butter or fruit. Pair it with tea and a sandwich or cookies.
- For lunch, cook a first course for your baby, add a vegetable side dish, meat or fish - cutlets, cabbage rolls, meatballs, stewed or baked.
- Curd dishes, fruit salads, milk, cookies, cocoa, yoghurts, juices are food options for an afternoon snack.
- For dinner, prepare porridge or pasta, stewed or boiled vegetables, and a meat casserole.
This schedule is designed for a healthy child. Weakened, often sick babies need enhanced nutrition. In addition to the main meals, add a second breakfast and a snack before bed after dinner.
Allowable amount of food per day for proper nutrition:
| Category | Norm per day, g |
| Milk, dairy products | 350-400 |
| Vegetables | 250-350 |
| Fruits | 120-150 |
| Meat | 100-140 |
| Fish | 160-180 g per week |
| Eggs | 1 time every 2 days |
| Bakery products | 90-120 |
| Liquid: water, compotes, teas, juices | 400-420 |
Don’t have hearty snacks, your baby won’t have time to get hungry before the next meal. Get him personal cutlery - a plate with a picture of a fairy-tale character, a fork and spoon with a colored handle, colorful napkins.
It is worth taking into account the baby’s preferences, otherwise he will be capricious and refuse to eat at all.
Study the preferences and tastes of the little person, do not try to feed him against his will - next time he may refuse to eat altogether.
Breakfast recipes
- Add chopped banana and a little butter to the finished oatmeal. It tastes so much better!
- Place a layer of cheese slices on the bottom of the pan. Top with chopped tomatoes. Mix eggs with water and pour over cheese and tomatoes. Place the pan in the oven for 5 minutes. A nutritious omelette is ready!
- For cheesecakes you will need: a pack of cottage cheese, two eggs, salt and half a glass of flour. Stir, gradually adding flour. Form the cheesecakes, place them in a frying pan and place in the oven for 5-7 minutes. It is even healthier to steam this dish. Place warm cheesecakes and sour cream whipped with berries on the table.
- Wrap an omelet of several eggs in pita bread, adding your favorite vegetables.
Buckwheat soup with potato dumplings
You can add some mushrooms, but only champignons.
You will need:
300 g of chicken, 0.5 cups of buckwheat, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 2.5 liters of water, 2 potatoes, 1 egg, 3 tbsp.
flour, spices. Preparation:
Cut the chicken into pieces and boil, add buckwheat and spices. Separately, boil the potatoes, mash them into a puree, mix with the egg, flour and spices into a thick dough. Form the dumplings, place them in the soup, and when they float to the surface, add the fried onions and carrots and cook for another 4 minutes.
Delicious ideas
We are used to the idea that there should always be soup for lunch, and then a main course. And also compote. Aren't you tired of cooking them seven times a week? Let's get creative and invite the kid to lunch with the count.
Noble Sandwiches
- Cut about a cup of vegetables into chopsticks.
- Place steamed crispy broccoli in a separate beautiful plate (choose the most beautiful floret).
- Cut 30 g of boiled turkey, chicken or beef into thin slices and make sandwiches on the thinnest slices of bread.
Set the table as if it were a holiday, and then tell the story of the mysterious count who shared his best recipes with you.
Salads in molds
- You can arrange the food prepared for lunch in multi-colored baking dishes or ice cube trays.
- Let your 2-year-old child use a non-sharp knife to cut lettuce leaves, cabbage or spinach, boiled carrots, pears or apples, and avocado pulp.
- Place colorful vegetables, pieces of meat, and sprigs of herbs into each mold or cell of the tray.
By involving children in cooking, you instill healthy nutrition skills and learn how to set the dinner table. Besides, everyone knows that there are no tastier dishes than those prepared with your own hands.
Young parents feel a burden of responsibility for each feeding: what, how much and at what time the child ate. What if your beloved child was unable to eat everything? Don't be dramatic. Relieve the pressure on your baby. You can’t force feed: he has the right to decide for himself. You have prepared delicious and healthy dishes from fresh ingredients. Just enjoy your meal together.
Chicken soup with cream cheese
Processed cheese makes the soup tender, beautiful and enjoyable for a child.
You will need:
500 g of chicken, 200 g of processed cheese, 0.5 cups of vermicelli, 4 potatoes, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 bunch of greens, 2 tbsp.
butter. Preparation:
Cut the chicken into pieces and boil until done. Fry chopped onion with grated carrots and cut potatoes into cubes. Add vegetables to meat, and after 6 minutes add grated melted cheese. After another 5 minutes, add vermicelli and simmer for 5 minutes. Before serving, add chopped herbs.
Evening menu
An evening menu for a 2-year-old child may include:
- sea fish if there were no meat dishes for lunch;
- lean meat, if the baby loves it very much and has not eaten during the day;
- vegetables that can be given throughout the day;
- fruits – raw and baked;
- dairy products;
- porridge;
- casseroles;
- eggs as a separate food or as part of light dishes.
The time needed to prepare dinner can be reduced by mastering simple recipes.
Children's recipes with cod.
Spicy carrot soup
Carrot soup with spicy spices - and your child will surely be delighted with the variety of tastes.
You will need:
300 g carrots, 1 red onion, 2 cm ginger, 0.5 tsp.
coriander, 300 ml broth. Preparation:
Coarsely chop the onion and carrots and fry them for about 6 minutes with grated ginger. Place them in a saucepan, add water and simmer for 20 minutes after boiling. Add spices, pour in a little broth for consistency and blend the soup with a blender.
Featured Recipes
Cauliflower Casserole
- Preheat the oven.
- Disassemble the head of cabbage into inflorescences and place in molds.
- Place sliced tomatoes on top and sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 130 degrees.
For dinner, dishes baked in the oven (in foil, in pots, in a baking sleeve) are perfect. It's not too troublesome and won't take much time.
Chicken in a pot
- Don't forget to turn on the oven.
- Cut the fillet into pieces of such a size that it is easy for a two-year-old child to chew them.
- Place the chicken on the bottom of the pot, add vegetables to taste, sprinkle with cheese, put in the oven and take care of the baby.
- In an hour, invite your family to the table.
Soups and porridges also work well in pots.
Pasta with broccoli
- Divide a small head of broccoli into florets and place them in boiling water for 5 minutes.
- For a 2-year-old child, it is advisable to chop the boiled cabbage additionally.
- Place the broccoli in a heated frying pan, adding oil and a little vegetable broth remaining from cooking.
- Boil the pasta and mix it in the pan with the cabbage.
Chicken noodle soup
We tell you how to make the simplest noodle broth really tasty and aromatic for a child.
You will need:
1 chicken, 2 onions, 1 carrot, 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, peppercorns, 150 g noodles, 30 ml olive oil.
Preparation:
Boil the chicken over high heat until it boils, skim off the foam and reduce the temperature. Add the onion and spices there, and simmer for an hour and a half over low heat without a lid, so that the broth reduces. Fry the second onion and diced carrots and add to the soup. Grind the chicken, add the noodles and cook until done.
Dishes in 5 minutes
Sometimes parents have particularly stressful days: they have to get up in the morning and run somewhere. There is no time left for cooking. What should you feed the baby in this case? Here are some options.
- Throw a banana and half a peeled orange into the blender, pour in yogurt or kefir, and beat at high speed. A delicacy rich in carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins for a two-year-old is ready.
- A berry smoothie is prepared in a blender: half a glass of yogurt, a banana and a handful of berries (can be frozen). To warm the drink, run the blender at maximum speed and wait until the bowl is warm.
- Place peeled kiwi, banana, apple juice and your baby's favorite berries into a blender. By the way, kiwi is the leader in nutritional value among fruits.
Carrot and potato casserole
To make the dish tender, add sour cream or thick yogurt.
You will need:
2 carrots, 3 potatoes, 200 g chicken, 30 g butter, 2 tbsp.
sour cream, 100 g cheese. Preparation:
Boil the chicken, potatoes and carrots until tender, and chop everything into arbitrary pieces. Grease the pan with oil, lay it out in layers, pour sour cream on top and cover with cheese. Bake for 20 minutes at 180 degrees.
Milk rice soup
A good variety for a child when he is tired of vegetable and meat soups.
You will need:
80 g of rice, 200 ml of milk, a pinch of cinnamon, salt and sugar.
Preparation:
Rinse the rice several times until clear water flows from it, and boil until half cooked. Drain it in a colander and place it in a saucepan with boiling milk. Add spices and cook until the rice is done. By the way, this soup can even be served cold.
Veal with yogurt and vegetables
A tender, healthy and dietary dish that is very easy to prepare for a child for lunch.
You will need:
600 g veal, 1 leek, 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk, 20 g green onions, 200 ml yoghurt, 20 g butter, 1 tbsp.
flour, spices. Preparation:
Grind the veal and boil for about half an hour. Then add chopped celery, leeks and carrots, spices, and after another half hour, strain the broth. Lightly fry the flour in butter, pour in 500 ml of broth, yogurt and stew. Place meat and vegetables in the sauce and sprinkle with green onions.
Corn soup with meatballs
Use finely ground corn grits to make the soup hearty and rich.
You will need:
250 g minced meat, 1 tbsp.
bran, spices, 0.5 tbsp. starch, 1 carrot, 1.5 onions, 3 potatoes, 1 bell pepper, 1 tomato, 80 g corn grits, 3 tbsp. oil, 1.3 liters of water. Preparation:
Mix the minced meat with bran, starch and spices, form small meatballs and put them in the freezer for a while. Fry chopped onions, carrots and peppers for 3 minutes, add potatoes and fry for another 5 minutes. Add corn grits to the vegetables, simmer for 4 minutes, add water and simmer for about 13 minutes after boiling. Add spices and meatballs, and cook the soup until they are ready.
Cabbage soup
Simple composition, unobtrusive taste and creamy notes - the perfect recipe to cook for your child for lunch.
You will need:
300 g white cabbage, 300 g cauliflower, 150 g carrots, 150 g onions, 100 g rice, 100 ml 20% cream, 2.5 l broth, spices.
Preparation:
Finely chop the onion and carrots and lightly fry them, add shredded cabbage and simmer for a couple of minutes. Pour in the broth, add spices and simmer for 15 minutes after boiling. Add rice to the soup, after 7 minutes – chopped cauliflower, and after another 7 – cream.
Chicken soup with peas and eggs
You can use frozen or canned peas.
You will need:
2 chicken thighs, 3 potatoes, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 2 eggs, 250 g of peas, spices, herbs.
Preparation:
Pour 2 liters of water over the thighs, bring to a boil and boil for 40 minutes, then remove and chop the meat. Fry chopped onion and grated carrots. Place potato cubes into the broth, after 15 minutes - vegetables and peas, then - chicken, and 3 minutes before the end of cooking - grated boiled eggs.
Pasta casserole
Take only high-quality pasta made from durum wheat - and this will also be useful.
You will need:
250 g pasta, 1 tbsp.
olive oil, 0.5 cups of grated tomatoes, 250 g of cottage cheese, 2 eggs, 250 g of cheese, spices. Preparation:
Boil the pasta until tender and add oil. Mix tomatoes with cottage cheese, grated cheese, eggs and spices. Add pasta there, put it in a mold and bake for 40 minutes at 180 degrees.
Mushroom soup with barley
Do you think a child eating barley soup is fantastic? Then try our recipe!
You will need:
300 g of mushrooms, 60 g of pearl barley, 3 potatoes, half a carrot, half a bell pepper, half an onion, 1.5 liters of water, spices.
Preparation:
Pour water over the pearl barley for half an hour, rinse and boil until tender. Prepare a fry from chopped onions and grated carrots, add chopped pepper to it. Place the mushrooms in a saucepan, add water and simmer for 5 minutes after boiling. Drain the mushrooms, cover with clean water, add the potatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Add vegetables and spices, simmer a little and let the soup simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
Chicken puree soup for children
A fun recipe for easy chicken broccoli and spinach soup for kids' lunches!
You will need:
100 g cauliflower, 200 g broccoli, 100 g spinach, 1 tbsp.
olive oil, 1 chicken fillet, herbs, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 3 potatoes, spices. Preparation:
Fry chopped onion and carrots, add spices, add water and add chicken and potatoes. Boil for 10 minutes, add broccoli and cauliflower florets, spinach and herbs. Boil for another 10 minutes and grind everything with a blender.
