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Toddler Menu Planner
Toddler Menu Planner

Use our Toddler Meal planning tool to ensure your 1-4 years old receives a balanced diet every day.

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Portion Sizes for 1-4 year olds

Use our portion size ranges to find out how much is too much.

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Tot It Up

Use our toddler food tracker to check that your 1-4 year olds are getting a good balance of foods and activity

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Why Breast Milk Matters

This educational programme for frontline professionals contains a range of practical resources on infant feeding.

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Guidance & Tips for Parents

  • Constipation can show itself in different ways. Your toddler may be:
    • having no bowel movement for three or more days
    • passing lots of small hard stools
    • holding on to stools:
      – appearing to be pushing with signs such as her or her face becoming red, when in fact holding on to stools
      – using avoidance techniques such as dancing about or hiding
      – soiling – loose stools that leak into pants, pyjamas and bedclothes. This happens when the bowel is full.
  • Make sure your toddler is drinking enough fluid – six to eight drinks a day. Always give a drink with each meal and at least one in between meals or with a snack. Your toddler may need more fluid in hot weather and if he or she is taking a laxative.
  • Water is the best drink between meals. You can give water or diluted fruit juices with meals. Limit milk to three small drinks per day – about 120mls or 4oz.
  • Try to eat together as a family. Give your toddler small regular meals and snacks. Serve a variety of foods and concentrate on quality rather than quantity. Persevere with fruits, vegetables and cereals.
  • Encourage your toddler to be physically active, to play outside, swim, walk, and join in team games.
  • A consistent routine will help your toddler develop regular toilet habits. For example, sitting on the potty or toilet for a few minutes after meals. Hand washing afterwards can be fun!
  • Listen and watch for signs that your toddler is ready to begin potty/toilet training. Take your time, don’t rush it.
    • Give praise and positive encouragement. Minimise fuss over ‘accidents’
    • Make sure your toddler can sit on the toilet, supported (using a child seat or foot stool for example) so that he or she feels safe.
  • If these measures do not work your healthcare professional may suggest seeking medical advice.