Toddlers are fickle eaters.
One day they’re devouring everything in sight, and the next they’re refusing to try anything new.
As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to feed your toddler to make sure they’re getting the nutrients they need.
Here’s a list of the best fruits and veggies for toddlers, based on their nutritional needs.
15 Best Vegetables for Toddlers
1. Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which help to boost the immune system and provide an overall healthy diet for toddlers. They also contain beta-carotene, which helps promote eye health.
2. Broccoli – Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that contains important nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and magnesium that aid in growth and development of toddler’s body systems. It’s also packed with antioxidants and may have cancer-fighting properties.
3. Green Beans – Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K as well as folate, calcium, iron and magnesium. Additionally, they are full of antioxidants that help boost the immune system in toddlers.
4. Peas – Peas provide essential nutrients for toddler growth including protein, fiber, iron and zinc which all aid in developing healthy muscles, bones and organs as well as good digestion and energy levels.
5. Spinach – Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is packed with fiber, vitamins A, C and K as well as iron, calcium and magnesium which are all important for toddler development. It also contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
6. Asparagus – Asparagus is a great source of folic acid which helps support healthy growth and development in toddlers by aiding in the formation of red blood cells and helping prevent birth defects. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties and is high in vitamins A and C which help to improve immune system health.
7. Squash – Squash is an excellent source of vitamin A which helps to strengthen the immune system and improve vision. It also contains dietary fiber which helps with digestion and nutrient absorption as well as vitamin C, manganese and folate which are important for development.
8. Zucchini – Zucchini is a low calorie vegetable that is rich in essential minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium that help build strong bones and teeth in toddlers. It is also high in fiber which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
9. Beets – Beets are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients that are important for toddler health and development. They have anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce risk of chronic diseases later on in life.
10. Kale – Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is rich in carotenoids, vitamins A, C and K as well as minerals like iron and calcium. It also contains antioxidants which help to improve immune system health in toddlers.
11. Tomatoes – Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, dietary fiber and lycopene which helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancers later on in life. Additionally, they are high in potassium which can help regulate blood pressure levels.
12. Corn – Corn is a great source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber which can help regulate digestion and provide energy for growing toddlers. It contains essential vitamins such as thiamin, folate and niacin as well as minerals like magnesium and zinc which are important for development.
13. Peppers – Peppers are a great source of vitamins A, C and B6 as well as minerals such as copper, manganese and potassium which are important for toddler health. Additionally, they have antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body.
14. Carrots – Carrots are full of carotenoids which help to improve vision in toddlers as well as vitamins A and K for bone health and dietary fiber for digestion. Additionally, they contain antioxidants that can help protect against diseases later on in life.
15. Cucumbers – Cucumbers are an excellent source of water and electrolytes which can help regulate hydration levels in toddlers and support kidney function. They also contain essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B6, C and K as well as minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium which are all important for development.
In conclusion, adding these 16 vegetables to a toddler’s diet can be extremely beneficial for their overall health and development.
By providing essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber they can support growth while reducing the risk of certain illnesses later on in life.
It is important to remember to always consult your pediatrician before making any drastic changes to your child’s diet. This article is used to provide an informative opinion on the best fruits and veggies!
17 Best Fruits for Toddlers
1. Bananas – This sweet, creamy fruit is packed with essential nutrients and vitamins that give toddlers the energy they need to explore their little world. It also has a low glycemic index which helps stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion.
2. Apples – Not only are apples delicious for toddlers to eat, but they’re also full of antioxidants, Vitamin A and C and dietary fiber. Eating them can help regulate blood sugar levels for healthy overall development.
3. Pears – Pears have a mild sweetness that makes them ideal for younger eaters who may not yet enjoy tart flavors from other fruits. They are rich in Vitamin C and fiber and can help promote regular bowel movements.
4. Blueberries – These tiny powerhouses are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that boost immunity, prevent inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They also contain Vitamin C and fiber to help keep digestion running smoothly.
5. Oranges – Sweet oranges are full of folate, Vitamin A and potassium, as well as powerful flavonoids like hesperidin which can help lower cholesterol levels. They’re a great source of energy for toddlers who don’t eat much else during meals or snacks.
6. Kiwi – This sweet yet tart fruit is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber that can help support healthy digestive function in toddlers. It also contains prebiotics which help to feed the friendly bacteria in the gut, promoting good overall health.
7. Watermelon – Not only is watermelon a great source of Vitamin C and lycopene, it also contains natural sugars that can give toddlers a healthy energy boost. Plus, that bright color can make snack time more fun!
8. Raspberries – These tart berries are full of disease-fighting antioxidants that may help protect against cancer and other chronic illnesses. They’re also a great source of fiber and Vitamin C for toddlers who need an extra boost of nutrients throughout the day.
9. Avocado – This creamy fruit is high in monounsaturated fats which can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health. It’s also a great source of Vitamin E, folate and fiber that can help keep toddlers feeling full for longer.
10. Strawberries – These sweet berries are rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and manganese which can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease. They’re also high in dietary fiber to promote regular digestion and overall health.
11. Grapes – Grapes have a sweet flavor that’s perfect for toddlers who don’t enjoy tart flavors from other fruits. They contain essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that can boost immunity as well as protect against chronic diseases like cancer.
12. Plums – Plums are an excellent source of Vitamin C and potassium which can help support healthy blood pressure levels. They also contain dietary fiber and phenolic compounds that can promote regular bowel movements and good gut health.
13. Papaya – This tropical fruit is rich in Vitamin C, carotenes, flavonoids and other antioxidants that can help boost immunity and protect against chronic illnesses. It’s also a great source of dietary fiber to keep toddlers feeling full and promote regular digestion.
14. Pineapple – Pineapples are an excellent source of Vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber. They also contain bromelain, an enzyme that can help break down proteins for better absorption by the body. Toddlers who eat pineapple can also benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties it offers.
15. Peaches – These juicy fruits are full of Vitamin A and C as well as antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body. They also contain dietary fiber to help promote regular digestion for healthy overall development in toddlers.
16. Cantaloupe – This melon is packed with Vitamins A and C which can help boost immunity and protect against chronic illnesses like cancer or heart disease. It’s also a great source of dietary fiber for toddlers who need an extra boost.
17. Nectarines – These juicy fruits contain powerful antioxidants like beta carotene and lutein which can help protect against cancer and other chronic illnesses. They’re also loaded with dietary fiber to keep toddlers fuller longer as well as promote regular digestion.
5 Tips for Getting Toddler to Eat Fruits and Veggies
Okay, so you’ve got the perfect fruits and veggies to feed your toddler.
How do you actually get them to start eating their fruits and veggies?
1. Start with the familiar. Introduce fruits and vegetables that your toddler is already familiar with first before introducing new foods to them. This will make it easier for them to get used to eating healthy foods.
2. Serve a variety of colors and flavors. Try serving different fruits and vegetables in different colors and flavors to give them an exciting selection of options to choose from.
3. Offer smaller portions at first. When introducing something new, start with small portions so they can explore without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the food on their plate.
4. Let your toddler help prepare meals too! Allowing your toddler to help prepare meals gives them ownership over their food choices, making them more likely to try something new.
5. Be a role model and make healthy eating fun. Lead by example and show your toddler that healthy eating can be enjoyable. Try adding fun shapes or making smiley faces out of fruits and vegetables for an extra dose of excitement! With these tips, you’ll have your toddler eating their fruits and veggies in no time!
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