The guidance and links on this page cover diet and nutrition support for children between the ages of 1-2 years.
As your child reaches the age of one, their eating habits may change as their mealtimes become established and snacks can be introduced. Keep introducing new flavours and textures as your child's food preferences will start to become visible as their independence grows. You can support this by offering a variety of healthy foods and allowing your child to take the lead in what and how much they eat.
At 12 months your child may still wish to explore self-feeding with their hands. If they still enjoy this allow them this time to explore and familiarise themselves with the different textures of foods, however we would recommend introducing cutlery around 15 months. This is so your child can start developing the fine motor skills needed to use utensils. You can demonstrate how to use cutlery and your child watch and learn. They may become frustrated, but you'll be there to save the day with your own utensils to support and show how it's done.
From 12 months we recommend that children only drink water, breastmilk, semi – skimmed or whole cows milk and/or unsweetened milk alternatives. Bottles should be discouraged. If your child is having three meals a day plus healthy snacks, it's important to be mindful of the quantity of milk provided as it can reduce a child's appetite.
The Health Visiting Service works closely with the local Family Centres to offer support and advice to help you, and your family stay safe, happy and healthy. If you feel you need any further support or advice around feeding your child, please contact the Health Visiting Service.
Healthy lunch box ideas
Aorund this age, your child might be attending an early years setting such as a childminder or nursery. You may have to provide a packed lunch for your child to take. Here is some information around healthy lunch box ideas:
- use leftovers from your meal from the night before (ensure it is kept in the fridge overnight)
- use an ice block or frozen bottle of water in the lunchbox to keep items cool
- have a range of bread products in your fridge to add variety over the week
- you don't need to buy snacks branded for children. Pack small portions of family snacks such as breadsticks or rice cakes
- many supermarkets sell children's sized fruit. This is often a smaller portion and cheaper than full size
- some settings may allow hot meals to be brought in using a thermal flask. Please discuss with your child's setting in advance
Eating Well: Packed lunches for 1 to under 5 year olds (PDF/Digital Download)
Physical Activity
Being active is an important part of a child's growth and development. Physical activity will help to improve fine motor and gross motor skills and supports your child to lead a balanced lifestyle.
It is recommended that toddlers should have at least 180 minutes (3 hours) of physical activity. This should be spread out during the day and include being outdoors. Activities can include:
- tummy times
- messy play
- skipping
- dancing
- action rhymes
- running
- chasing balls
- playing in/with water (supervised at all times)
Physical activity at this age can include times when children are moving around your home. For example, climbing the stairs or pushing large objects such as pushchairs. Children should avoid being inactive for long periods of times, except when asleep. Watching television, travelling by car, bus, train or buggy is not part of your child's physical activity.
Oral Health
It is recommended to register your baby with the dentist from when their first tooth arrives. This not only helps to keep your child's teeth healthy but also helps them to become familiar with the environment. Check-ups at the dentisit are recommended every six months. Find your local NHS dentist.
It is important to have tooth brushing embedded in your child's daily routine, brushing twice a day with the most important time being just before bed.