A Healthy and Balanced Meal Plan for an 18-Month-Old
As your child approaches 18 months of age, they are entering a new stage of development. Their appetite, preferences, and nutritional needs are changing, and it’s important to create a meal plan that supports their growth, energy levels, and development. It’s also important to offer them foods that they are comfortable with, since young children at this age seem to be extra picky and may not end up eating any of the new foods that you offer them.
At this age, your toddler’s appetite will be bigger as they are becoming more active. They are also at a stage where they are developing new skills, such as walking and climbing, and their brain is growing rapidly. Cow’s milk (or a milk alternative if your child has an allergy) is still something that should be offered with every meal, as this age of baby is still weaning off a breast milk, or infant formula, based diet and going fully into a solid-food diet.
Here’s what you should focus on when planning meals for your toddler:
- Protein: Essential for growth and muscle development. Meats, beans, lentils, etc. are options for protein sources.
- Carbohydrates: Provide energy for all of the physical activity and development happening at this stage. Whole grain breads and oatmeal are ways to incorporate carbs into your baby’s diet.
- Fats: Important for brain development and energy storage. Dairy products such as whole milk yogurt, cheddar cheese, and butter are great fat sources.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Particularly calcium (for bones), vitamin D (for bone health), iron (for blood and energy), and vitamin C (for immunity and skin health). I typically give my kids supplements to ensure that they get their vitamins and minerals in. Some days, they may not eat much but I want to make sure they are still getting the proper nutrients.
- Fiber: Necessary for digestive health and maintaining regular bowel movements. A good rule of thumb for knowing what will help with your little one’s bowel movements is this : any fruit or veggie that starts with the letter P will help them poop. Pears, prunes, peas, peaches, etc. are some types of foods to keep on hand for those times when your baby needs a little extra fiber! This probiotic was the one I used on my babies from the time they came home from the hospital. With both of my babies, I could tell a huge difference in their level of tummy discomfort when they took their daily probiotic. It instantly eased their gassiness and made them much happier babies 🙂
Here are some meal ideas for your little one! This is not medical advice, just some options for meal ideas and healthy snacks to help your little one get the best nutrients throughout the day, from as many food groups as possible.
Sample 3-day menu –
Day 1:
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Whole Wheat Toast and Fruit
- Scrambled Eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Scramble them lightly with a little olive oil or butter. You can also add small pieces of vegetables like spinach, tomato, or bell peppers for added nutrition. When my son was younger, I would whisk together an egg and a spoonful of cottage cheese, and scramble that up. He absolutely loved it! The cottage cheese added some extra protein and fat, and filled his little belly up.
- Whole Wheat Toast: Provides fiber and carbohydrates. You can spread a thin layer of avocado for added healthy fats. I typically bake my own sourdough bread so we have that with most meals. Any type of bread with whole grains is going to be better than the cheap white bread you typically find at the grocery store.
- Fruit: A small serving of fruit such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, or banana. Fruit is packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants. If your child is struggling with only wanting to eat sweet fruits and not try the savory foods, it may be worth holding off on the fruit until your little one eats some of the savory items first.
Lunch: Turkey and Cheese Sandwich with Veggies
- Turkey and Cheese Sandwich: Make a sandwich using whole-grain bread, a few slices of lean turkey, and a slice of cheese. This provides protein, healthy fats, and fiber. I have found that my little ones enjoyed eating a sandwich more when I made it into pinwheels. Typically, I would flatten the pieces of bread with my rolling pin, and layer the meat and cheese on that flat bread. Then tightly roll up the layered bread into a cylinder shape and slice into pinwheels.
- Veggies: At this age, I still like to steam vegetables such as carrot sticks and sweet potato sticks. Some safer raw veggie options are peeled and chopped cucumbers, quartered grape tomatoes or chopped tomatoes, diced avocado.
- Water/Milk: Serve water and milk with the meals to keep your toddler hydrated. An open cup with a weighted bottom is a great way to teach your little one how to drink properly.
Snack: Greek Yogurt with Berries
- Greek Yogurt: Rich in protein and calcium. Choose plain, whole milk yogurt to avoid added sugars.
- Berries: Add fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) for extra vitamins and antioxidants. You can mix the yogurt and berries together for a tasty snack. I would often boil down frozen berries and mix with some chia seeds for a jam-like consistency to mix in with the yogurt.
Dinner: Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli
(Family meals like dinners can be a little more tricky to know what to feed your toddler. When your toddlers are still learning to like foods, they may not want to eat what the rest of the family is eating. Or, you may feel that what you are feeding your other kids might not be safe for your little one – like fish with bones, spicy foods, etc.)
- Chicken: A small piece of grilled or baked chicken provides lean protein. Serve it shredded or cut into small pieces to make it easier for your toddler to chew.
- Sweet Potatoes: A great source of complex carbohydrates and beta-carotene. Roast or steam the sweet potato and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Broccoli: Rich in vitamin C and fiber. Steam or lightly sauté the broccoli in butter or oil, and cut it into small florets that are easy for your toddler to pick up. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for extra flavor!
Day 2:
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Chopped Apples and Cinnamon
- Oatmeal: Oats are an excellent source of fiber and carbohydrates. Cook the oats with whole milk for a more protein-filled oatmeal. I would often add in flax seeds and/or chia seeds for extra fiber. If you add chia seeds, be sure to add a bit more liquid when cooking the oatmeal.
- Chopped Apples: Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C. Make sure to peel the apples and cut them into small pieces to prevent choking hazards. Let them cook for a bit in the hot oatmeal to soften them.
Lunch: Avocado and Bean Wrap with Cherry Tomatoes
- Avocado and Bean Wrap: Spread mashed avocado and cooked beans (black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas) onto a whole-grain tortilla. Roll it up and cut it into pinwheels for your toddler. Avocado provides healthy fats, and beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Cut cherry tomatoes into small pieces. This is the cutter that I love using for things like tomatoes and grapes. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps support your child’s immune system.
Snack: Cheese and Whole-Grain Crackers
- Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein, a full-fat cheese provides important nutrients for your toddler’s growth and development.
- Whole-Grain Crackers: Serve with cheese for added fiber and carbohydrates. Choose low-sodium crackers for a healthier option. Round crackers are safer than square or rectangle ones, if your toddler still struggles with the possibility of choking. (I really love getting these GF crackers for my kids!)
Dinner: Beef Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
- Beef Stir-Fry: Cook beef strips in olive oil with small pieces of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. My kids both started eating steak when they were less than a year old – at first, they would just suck the juice out, but after a few months, they started chewing it more and really enjoying it!
- Brown Rice: Brown rice is a whole grain that provides fiber and energy. Add in some butter and serve the stir-fry with the rice.
Day 3:
Breakfast: Pancakes with Bananas and Milk
- Pancakes: This is a great pancake recipe to have on hand. I like to make a big batch of pancakes (usually sourdough) and freeze them for easy breakfast options throughout the week.
- Bananas: Bananas are rich in potassium and are easy for toddlers to eat. One of the ways I fed my young toddlers bananas was by peeling half the banana, cutting the peeled peel off, and letting them hold the banana using the peeled part as a little holder so they wouldn’t drop it.
- Milk: Serve with whole milk, which is rich in calcium and essential fats, either in a straw cup or an open cup.
Lunch: Quinoa Salad with Avocado, Cucumber, and Grilled Chicken
- Quinoa Salad: Quinoa is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. You can mix it with chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and small pieces of grilled chicken for a balanced meal, or keep everything separate if your little one doesn’t want to eat it all mixed together.
- Avocado: Add small chunks of avocado to the salad for healthy fats and extra nutrients.
Snack: Hummus and Pita Triangles
Dinner: Salmon with Mashed Potatoes and Peas
- Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain development, salmon is an excellent choice for your toddler. Serve small, flaky pieces to make it easier for them to eat. Be sure to check through every piece of salmon for any small bones before you feed your little one.
- Mashed Potatoes: Make mashed potatoes using whole milk and a little butter. If your child is sensitive to textures, it might be better to make the mashed potatoes a bit thinner.
- Peas: Cooked peas are an excellent source of protein and fiber. Serve them with butter and/or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Feeding an 18-Month-Old
- Portion Sizes: At this age, toddlers are still learning to self-feed, so keep portions small to avoid overwhelming them. Offer a variety of foods, but don’t expect them to eat everything at every meal. It’s important not to make this too stressful for your baby – be sure to watch their fullness cues so you know when they are done with their food.
- Introduce New Foods Slowly: Your toddler might be picky at this age. It can take several exposures to a new food before they are willing to try it. Be patient and keep offering new foods in small amounts alongside familiar favorites. It took my daughter about a year of me offering her broccoli before she actually liked it! Always offer a “safe food” with new foods – something that your baby is sure to eat – so that they aren’t scared off by all the new food.
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Avoid sugary snacks, drinks, or overly processed foods, as they can affect your toddler’s energy levels and health. Offer water or milk as primary drinks. Fruit juice should be reserved only for times of sickness to help your baby hydrate more.
- Encourage Self-Feeding: Let your toddler explore food with their hands. This is an important part of their development. Make sure that the food is cut into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking. Be prepared for lots of mess! I invested in full shirt-style bibs for my toddlers since I didn’t want to be going through multiple outfits a day. You can also just let your baby eat in just a diaper, and wash them up or rinse them in the shower afterwards.
- Stay Consistent: Try to maintain regular meal and snack times. This helps establish healthy eating habits and ensures that your toddler gets the nutrients they need throughout the day. Also, try to plan to serve snacks with enough time for your child to get hungry again before dinner.
As your 12-18 month old child grows and tastes a variety of healthy foods, you’ll start to learn what their favorite foods are and what they prefer, and can plan meals around their preferences. If your little one prefers lots of salty foods, try introducing more fresh fruits to balance your child’s diet a bit more. If they struggle with meats, try protein-rich vegetarian options like lentils or chick peas. If your child tends to only eat sweet fruits, try serving slightly fewer of those and offering more mild-tasting or “sweet” veggies such as carrots, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, etc.
I’ve also found that meal planning and keeping a list of breakfast foods and lunch foods that my kids love is a good idea to help me when I’m struggling with what to feed them. I don’t like to get stuck in a rut with what I’m feeding them, so planning ahead or at least having a list of snack ideas and meal options helps me out.
Check out this post for some ideas on Baby Led Weaning:
Looking for a gift for a new mom? Here are some great ideas:
cialis pricing [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]Tadal Access[/url] average dose of tadalafil
cialis before and after photos: cialis las vegas – cialis canada prices
tadalafil 20mg canada: TadalAccess – is tadalafil the same as cialis
cialis tubs [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]TadalAccess[/url] cialis effectiveness
peptide tadalafil reddit: cialis 20 mg price costco – what does cialis do
ordering tadalafil online: cialis free trial canada – tadalafil 5 mg tablet
online cialis australia: TadalAccess – cialis patient assistance
printable cialis coupon: TadalAccess – cialis alcohol
cialis amazon: cialis leg pain – cialis meme
where to buy cialis in canada: order cialis no prescription – tadalafil price insurance
overnight cialis delivery: over the counter cialis – cialis online without prescription
tadalafil lowest price: Tadal Access – cialis stopped working
buy amoxicillin 500mg capsules uk: Amo Health Care – buy amoxicillin 500mg uk
prednisone price australia [url=https://prednihealth.shop/#]price of prednisone tablets[/url] PredniHealth
https://clomhealth.com/# can i purchase generic clomid without prescription
can you buy cheap clomid without insurance: how can i get generic clomid price – can i purchase generic clomid without rx
can you buy cheap clomid now [url=https://clomhealth.shop/#]where to get clomid without dr prescription[/url] where can i buy clomid prices
Amo Health Care: Amo Health Care – Amo Health Care
5 mg prednisone daily [url=https://prednihealth.com/#]PredniHealth[/url] prednisone buying
buy amoxicillin without prescription: Amo Health Care – amoxicillin 500 mg online
canadian pharmacy amoxicillin: buy amoxicillin 500mg capsules uk – amoxicillin 250 mg price in india
can you get clomid without a prescription [url=http://clomhealth.com/#]get clomid now[/url] where can i get clomid pill
prednisone 20mg for sale: prednisone without prescription.net – PredniHealth
amoxicillin buy no prescription: Amo Health Care – purchase amoxicillin online
cheap clomid tablets: cost cheap clomid no prescription – where buy clomid
get cheap clomid without insurance: Clom Health – where can i get cheap clomid no prescription
purchase amoxicillin online: Amo Health Care – Amo Health Care
can i buy cheap clomid without dr prescription: Clom Health – order cheap clomid without dr prescription
order clomid without rx: generic clomid no prescription – where buy clomid prices
PredniHealth: PredniHealth – prednisone brand name in usa
FDA approved generic Cialis [url=https://zipgenericmd.com/#]FDA approved generic Cialis[/url] affordable ED medication
modafinil pharmacy: safe modafinil purchase – modafinil 2025
Modafinil for sale: verified Modafinil vendors – verified Modafinil vendors
order Viagra discreetly: fast Viagra delivery – safe online pharmacy
legit Viagra online [url=https://maxviagramd.shop/#]Viagra without prescription[/url] Viagra without prescription
Cialis without prescription: best price Cialis tablets – Cialis without prescription
verified Modafinil vendors: verified Modafinil vendors – modafinil legality
legal Modafinil purchase: Modafinil for sale – safe modafinil purchase
order Viagra discreetly [url=http://maxviagramd.com/#]buy generic Viagra online[/url] no doctor visit required
order Viagra discreetly: cheap Viagra online – cheap Viagra online
purchase Modafinil without prescription: modafinil 2025 – purchase Modafinil without prescription
best price Cialis tablets: online Cialis pharmacy – secure checkout ED drugs
buy generic Cialis online: secure checkout ED drugs – best price Cialis tablets
discreet shipping ED pills: buy generic Cialis online – generic tadalafil
cheap Cialis online: affordable ED medication – reliable online pharmacy Cialis
Modafinil for sale: safe modafinil purchase – buy modafinil online
Cialis without prescription [url=https://zipgenericmd.shop/#]best price Cialis tablets[/url] best price Cialis tablets
safe modafinil purchase: Modafinil for sale – modafinil pharmacy
http://modafinilmd.store/# legal Modafinil purchase
modafinil legality: buy modafinil online – modafinil 2025
legal Modafinil purchase [url=https://modafinilmd.store/#]verified Modafinil vendors[/url] safe modafinil purchase
modafinil legality: verified Modafinil vendors – purchase Modafinil without prescription
affordable ED medication: online Cialis pharmacy – secure checkout ED drugs
modafinil pharmacy: safe modafinil purchase – safe modafinil purchase
generic sildenafil 100mg: trusted Viagra suppliers – generic sildenafil 100mg
Great blog here! Additionally your site lots up fast! What web host are you using? Can I am getting your affiliate hyperlink on your host? I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
http://pinupaz.top/# pin up azerbaycan
3hlb30
I have been surfing online more than three hours nowadays, but I never found any interesting article like yours. It is beautiful price enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will likely be a lot more helpful than ever before.
This meal plan sounds spot-on! My 18-month-old was a picky eater too. Focusing on protein, carbs, and fats makes sense. But how do you get them to try new proteins like lentils? Any fun recipes? 😜
Great write-up, I am regular visitor of one?¦s blog, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
안전한 베팅을 원한다면 먹튀검증이 필수입니다. 검증된 먹튀검증소 웹사이트에서 신뢰할 수 있는 정보를 확인하세요.
먹튀검증사이트: chunjusa.org
카지노사이트: https://www.inocar.co.kr/
As I site possessor I believe the content material here is rattling excellent , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck.
Your specialized knowledge is evident in this piece; I’m impressed.
Your talent to transform ordinary subjects into fascinating writing is truly impressive. Great job!
I love how you infuse your character into your words. It feels like we’re engaging in a friendly chat.
You have an impressive skill to communicate complex ideas in a straightforward manner.
먹튀검증커뮤니티 없이 이용하면 큰 손해를 볼 수 있습니다!
You’ve managed to combine expertise with a conversational approach, making it a pleasure to read.
먹튀검증커뮤니티을 통해 안전하게 사이트를 이용하세요.
This post reinforced me of some important points I had overlooked.
I’m awe-inspired by your talent to turn mundane subjects into compelling writing. Bravo!
ita16b
We totally agree with your point of view. It resonates with us as well. Thank you for clarifying it so well.
This is precisely what I was looking for; thanks for providing this information.
If you need a convenient and reliable transfer from/to Los Angeles airports, I advise you to pay attention to LAX Transfer. Excellent service, comfortable cars and punctual drivers. Suitable for both tourists and business travelers. I recommend using LAX Transfer. Checked personally!
I’ve been looking for answers to this issue, and your post solved it.
https://youtu.be/L2EAYEOZkRY?si=SxQ2tpSsBK_3iWt_
The article reflects the essence of the topic and provides helpful insights for readers. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us.
Your post has a logical structure. I found it easy to follow. Thanks for posting.
Your article was both informative and enjoyable to read—great job!
Your write-up is a game-changer; it challenged my way of thinking.
I deeply appreciate how you simply break down complex concepts into manageable segments. Impressive work!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSgOyJ0Sjes
Very researched and enlightening; this article stands out.
I love how you incorporate your character into your posts. It seems like we’re having a friendly chat over coffee.
This is such a well-researched piece, I learned a lot from it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxTU5I2k7ms
Your writing style is captivating; I couldn’t stop going through once I started.
Your enthusiasm is contagious. It’s hard not to be excited about the subjects you discuss.
I’ve been looking for something like this—thank you for sharing!
This is a great post, I really enjoyed going through it. Your way of writing is extremely engaging and your opinions are spot on. Keep up the fantastic work!