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12-18 Months Feeding Guide

Follow our guide for feeding 12- to 18-month-old toddlers. The amount and type of food your baby or toddler eats will vary.

AGES & STAGES

Newborn 0-3 months

Infant 3-6 months

Infant 6-9 months

Toddler 9-12 months

Toddler 12-18 months

Toddler hunger cues

Begins to use a spoon and fork, feeds self easily with fingers

Begins to use a sippy cup

Eats at regular times

How much should a toddler eat?

Liquid

• Breast milk

• Whole cow’s milk

• Infant formula, iron-fortified

Liquid intake:

• About 16-24 fl oz (2-3 servings per day)

Solid

• Yogurt

• Cubed cheese

• Whole grain crackers and cereal

• Whole grain pasta and rice

• Pieces of cooked, moist meat, like fish or poultry

• Scrambled eggs

• Cooked or grated vegetables

• Soft, sliced fruit

• Family foods

Solid food intake:

• 3 meals and 2 snacks per day

Consistency

• Variety of textures

• Bite sized pieces

• Finger foods

Key Nutrients

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DHA
Docosahexaenoic Acid
DHA is an Omega-3 fat prominent in your little one's brain and important for his normal brain and eye development. By your toddler's 2nd birthday, most of his brain growth will have already occurred.

Tip
If using a toddler nutritional drink, use a formula that has DHA. Now that your little one is eating solids, fatty fish is another excellent way to ensure their diet is rich in DHA.†

Average DHA amount in breast milk: 0.32% of total fatty acids
Iron
Iron is essential for your toddler's physical and mental growth, and as your little one grow, they need more to meet their nutritional needs. Now that your tot is eating solid foods, make sure you provide iron rich foods.

Tip
Iron from animal products, especially meat, is absorbed more easily than from other sources. Vitamin C also helps absorption of iron from plant sources.
Calcium
Your toddler needs calcium for healthy development, especially of their bones and teeth.

* Average amount of DHA and ARA in worldwide breast milk is 0.32% and 0.47% (mean ± standard deviation of total fatty acids) based on an analysis of 65 studies of 2,474 women).
† For example, herring, mackerel, pollock, salmon and shrimp. Visit the FDA website for advice regarding eating fish.

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