![]() As oily fish can contain low levels of pollutants that can build up in the body, boys should have no more than 4 portions of oily fish a week, and girls no more than 2 portions a week. Try to give your child at least 1 portion of oily fish (such as mackerel, salmon and sardines) a week. Nuts also contain protein, but whole nuts, including peanuts, shouldn't be given to children under 5 in case they choke. Try to give your child a minimum of 2 portions of protein from vegetable sources (beans, chickpeas, lentils and tofu) or 1 portion from animal sources (meat, fish and eggs) each day. Young children need protein and iron to grow and develop.īeans, pulses, fish, eggs, foods made from pulses (such as tofu, hummus and soya mince) and meat are excellent sources of protein and iron. Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins This is because these cheeses carry bacteria called listeria.īut these cheeses can be used as part of a cooked recipe as listeria is killed by cooking – baked camembert, for example, is a safer option. cheese made from unpasteurised milk, so always check the label.mould-ripened goats' milk soft cheese like chèvre.mould-ripened soft cheeses, such as brie or camembert.This includes hard cheeses – such as mild cheddar cheese – cottage cheese and cream cheese.įull-fat cheeses and dairy products are recommended up to the age of 2, as young children need fat and energy to help them grow. Read more about dairy and alternatives in your diet CheeseĬheese can form part of a healthy, balanced diet for babies and young children, and provides calcium, protein and vitamins like vitamin A.īabies can eat pasteurised full-fat cheese from 6 months old. They can advise you on suitable milk alternatives. If your child has an allergy or intolerance to milk, talk to your health visitor or GP. Toddlers and young children under the age of 5 shouldn't have rice drinks because of the levels of arsenic they contain. You can give your child unsweetened calcium-fortified milk alternatives, such as soya, almond and oat drinks, from the age of 1 as part of a healthy, balanced diet. You can use them in cooking from the age of 1, though. Skimmed or 1% fat milk doesn't contain enough fat, so isn't recommended for children under 5. Semi-skimmed milk can be introduced from the age of 2, provided your child is a good eater and growing well for their age. ![]() Try to give your child at least 350ml (12oz) of milk a day, or 2 servings of foods made from milk, such as cheese, yoghurt or fromage frais. They also contain vitamin A, which helps the body resist infections and is needed for healthy skin and eyes. Whole milk and full-fat dairy products are a good source of calcium, which helps your child build bones and keep teeth healthy. Whole cows' milk can be given as a main drink from the age of 1. It's best to carry on breastfeeding alongside an increasingly varied diet once you introduce your baby's first solid foods.įirst infant formula, made especially for babies under 12 months, is the only suitable alternative to breast milk in the first 12 months of your baby's life. Milk, dairy and dairy alternatives Milk and dairy alternativesīreast milk is the only food or drink babies need for around the first 6 months of their life. After age 2 you can gradually introduce more wholegrain foods. Wholegrain foods can be high in fibre and they may fill your child up before they have taken in the calories and nutrients they need. But it's not a good idea to only give wholegrain starchy foods to under-2s. You can give your child wholegrain foods, such as wholemeal bread, pasta and brown rice. Starchy foods and carbohydrates, such as bread, breakfast cereals, potatoes, yams, rice, couscous, pasta and chapattis provide energy, nutrients and some fibre. Some children don't like cooked vegetables, but will nibble on raw vegetables while you're preparing a meal.įind out what counts as 5 A DAY Bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods Keep offering them small amounts of other fruit and vegetables so they can learn to like different tastes and textures. Try to make sure fruit and vegetables are included in every meal.ĭried fruit, such as raisins, should be given to your toddler with meals, rather than as a snack in between, as the sugar they contain can cause tooth decay.ĭifferent fruit and vegetables contain different vitamins and minerals, so the more types your toddler eats, the better.ĭon't worry if they'll only eat 1 or 2 types at first. It's good to introduce lots of different types from around 6 months, whether fresh, frozen, canned or dried, so your baby can enjoy new textures and flavours. Fruit and vegetablesįruit and vegetables contain lots of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Here are some tips on the different sorts of food to offer your child, plus a few it's best to avoid. Like the rest of the family, your toddler needs to eat a variety of foods.
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