Nutrition Assessment for Infants and Toddlers

Milk and other dairy products are excellent sources of calcium and protein. Milk also contains vitamin D, which is important for getting enough calcium into our bodies. If your child does not like plain milk, try flavoring it with strawberry or chocolate. Use dairy foods in recipes and serve them for snacks (for example, yogurt or cheese).

Offer your toddler two to three servings of milk or dairy products each day. Keep in mind that serving sizes are less for smaller children.

One-year olds

Milk, whole - 1/2 cup (4 ounces)

Cheese - 1/2 ounce (1-inch cube)

Yogurt, whole milk - 1/2 cup (4 ounces)

Calcium can be found in non-dairy products such as fortified soymilk, tofu, dark green leafy vegetables (kale, turnip greens), and calcium-fortified orange juice. Some of these foods do not contain vitamin D.

If your child does not eat dairy products, speak with your doctor or a nutritionist to make sure that your child is getting enough of these nutrients in other ways.

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