Toddlers aged 1–2 years typically need around 1,000-1,400 calories per day, spread across 3 meals and 2–3 snacks.1
What to Feed Toddlers (12–24 Months): Complete Nutrition Guide
From 12 months onwards, toddlers rely more on solid foods, with fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and lean proteins such as chicken or fish essential for healthy growth.
During the first year, breast milk or formula provides most of a baby’s nutrition. From 12 months onwards, toddlers rely more on solid foods to meet their needs. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins such as chicken or fish become essential for healthy growth.1
How Much Should Toddlers Eat?
Recommended Daily Serves (1–2 Years)2-3
The following daily serves are recommended for toddlers:
- Vegetables & legumes: 2–3 serves/day
- Fruit: ½ serve/day
- Grain foods: 4 serves/day
- Lean meats & alternatives: 1 serve/day
- Milk, yoghurt, cheese: 1–1½ serves/day
These food groups provide essential nutrients like iron, calcium, fibre, and healthy fats needed for development.4
The table below summarises the recommended daily intake for toddlers based on Australian Dietary Guidelines.3,4
Icon | Category | What to Offer | Australian Guideline Serves (1–2 yrs) | Examples |
🥦 | Vegetables & Legumes | Variety of colours & types | 2–3 serves/day | Broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, spinach |
🍎 | Fruit | Fresh, frozen or cooked | ½ serve/day | Banana, berries, apple, pear |
🍞 | Grain Foods (mostly wholegrain) | Breads, cereals, rice, pasta | 4 serves/day | Oats, brown rice, wholegrain bread |
🍗 | Lean Meat & Alternatives | Meat, fish, eggs, legumes, tofu | 1 serve/day | Chicken, eggs, lentils, beef |
🥛 | Milk, Yoghurt, Cheese & Alternatives | Dairy foods | 1–1½ serves/day | Milk, yoghurt, cheese |
🥑 | Healthy Fats | Unsaturated fats | As needed in small amounts | Avocado, olive oil, fish |
💧 | Water | Main drink | Offer regularly | Tap water |
🧀 | Snacks | Nutritious mini meals | 2–3/day (routine guidance) | Fruit, yoghurt, crackers |
⏰ | Meal Routine | Structured meals/snacks | 5–6 eating times/day | Meals + snacks |
Your Child’s Nutrition and Growth
If you’re concerned about your child’s dietary intake, a children’s oral nutritional supplement (ONS) such as PediaSure* may be beneficial. For personalised advice, please speak with your healthcare professional.
Notes:
*PediaSure is a Food for Special Medical Purposes. Use only under medical supervision.
References:
1: Nutrition Guide for Toddlers, Kids Health, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toddler-food.html, Accessed Feb 2026.
2: Dietary guidelines in pictures: children 1-2 years, Raising Children, https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/nutrition-fitness/daily-food-guides/dietary-guide-1-2-years, Accessed Feb 2026.
3: Recommended number of serves for children, adolescents and toddlers, Eat for Health, https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/how-much-do-we-need-each-day/recommended-number-serves-children-adolescents-and-toddlers, Accessed Feb 2026.
4: Healthy food for babies and toddlers: the 5 food groups, Raising Children, https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/nutrition-fitness/daily-food-guides/babies-toddlers-food-groups, Accessed Feb 2026.
