Every human being definitely needs nutrition for a better quality of life. In general, nutrition is a substance needed by the body for growth, development, maintenance, and repair of body tissues. Nutrition is obtained from the food consumed, so every parent must know how to provide the best nutrition for each toddler.
As they get older, the baby needs different nutritional intake than before. Mothers should know tips on fulfilling toddler nutrition with complementary foods. During the solid food exploration period, the average toddler needs nutrition of 1000-1400 calories (adjusted for activity), 7 mg of iron, 700 mg of calcium, and 600 IU of Vitamin D. However, you still have to consult a pediatrician to adjust your diet and also the amount of nutrition needed, because every toddler is different.
When entering the age of five, your little one will start to actively move and start exploring various things. Therefore your little one needs energy from food, namely carbohydrates and fats. Fat is not always negative, because fat functions to increase energy and maintain body stability. Various other nutrients are also needed by toddlers such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and so on to maximize the growth and development of your little one.
The obstacles experienced by mothers in providing balanced nutrition to toddlers, such as: children refusing to eat, having difficulty eating, being picky about food, or getting used to eating snacks so that they reduce their appetite at mealtimes. These obstacles can be overcome in various ways, including:
- Set an example by inviting family to eat. Start introducing food gradually, also try a variety of new foods to form eating habits and comfortable feelings since toddlers.
- Always pay attention to the size of the food given so that it is adjusted to the toddler's teeth that are still growing.
- Foods such as meat and vegetables should be cooked until cooked and tender.
- The mother should provide a varied food menu so that the child does not feel bored.
- Invite children to do physical activity, because it will increase appetite.
*summarized from various sources*