Most parents raising young children hope to see their child gain weight steadily and develop healthily. This concern is especially important for 18-month-old toddlers, as this stage is considered a golden period for growth. So, what are the best foods for an 18-month-old child?
1. What Should an 18-Month-Old Eat?
What foods help an 18-month-old gain weight and grow taller? Below are safe and nutritious food groups that are ideal for young children:
1.1 Meat, Eggs, Fish, and Dairy
This food group provides an abundant source of protein, for a child’s growth and development. Parents should include beef, pork, chicken, fish, shrimp, eggs, and milk in their child's diet in appropriate portions to ensure adequate nutrient intake and energy supply. Parents can prepare visually appealing and delicious meals that suit their 18-month-old child's taste preferences.
1.2 Grains and Nuts
Most grains are rich in vitamin E, protein, and healthy fats, making them a great addition to an 18-month-old child's diet. Parents can incorporate a suitable amount of well-cooked grains into their child’s porridge or grind them into fine powder for nutritious baby food. Additionally, nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and macadamia nuts are excellent sources of plant-based omega fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins. Including these in a child’s diet can support healthy weight gain and height development.
1.3 Root Vegetables and Fruits
- Bananas: This nutrient-dense fruit is rich in carbohydrates and energy. Ripe bananas are particularly beneficial for children who need to gain weight. Parents can mash bananas for direct consumption or mix them with milk and chia seeds. An 18-month-old can safely consume up to one banana per day.
- Avocados: This fruit is rich in healthy fats, has a pleasant aroma, and a mild, easy-to-eat flavor. Simply mix avocado with whole milk or mash it with milk for a nutritious meal that supports healthy weight gain and height development in young children.
1.4 Supplementary Foods
Parents can enhance their child's diet by adding whole milk, cheese, and olive oil. These are excellent sources of healthy fats that support weight gain and brain development. For baby porridge, adding one teaspoon of olive oil can help improve nutrient absorption, ensuring the child stays energized.
2. Important Nutritional Considerations for an 18-Month-Old
To ensure healthy growth and development, parents should take note of the following key aspects of their child’s nutrition:
- Avoid Forcing Your Child to eat, this can create stress and anxiety around mealtime. Allow your child to eat according to their appetite, and respect their cues when they are full or dislike a particular food
- Parents should divide their child's daily meals into main meals and snacks (3 main meals and at least 2 snacks per day) to ease the digestive process. Since an 18-month-old’s digestive system is still developing, their ability to absorb nutrients is limited. Eating large portions in one sitting may lead to bloating and constipation. By offering smaller, more frequent meals, children can digest food more efficiently.
- Parents should continue breastfeeding if possible and ensure their child consumes around 450–700ml of whole milk per day. Additionally, it is advisable to limit fruit juices high in vitamin C instead encourage their child to drink plain water.
- Parents can seat their child in a high chair at the table with adults, allowing them to join family meals and interact during mealtime to stimulate their interest in eating
- Parents should supplement essential micronutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, zinc, selenium, and chromium. These enhance appetite, support weight gain, and aid height development. Furthermore, they help strengthen the immune system, reducing the likelihood of frequent illnesses.
Parents should ensure their child receives essential nutrients through both a balanced diet and appropriate supplements. When choosing dietary supplements, it is best to select natural-based products to improve absorption. Additionally, parents should avoid frequently switching between different supplements or combining multiple products at once, as this may reduce effectiveness and not yield the desired results.
The above recommendations provide guidance on what an 18-month-old should eat to gain weight and grow at an optimal rate. Parents should focus on a well-rounded diet that includes various food groups and prepare meals visually appealing to encourage better eating habits and healthy weight gain.
If a child experiences prolonged poor appetite, slow growth, or difficulty absorbing nutrients, parents may consider adding lysine, essential trace minerals such as zinc, chromium, and selenium, and B vitamins to their diet. These nutrients help meet the child’s essential dietary needs while also supporting digestion and enhancing nutrient absorption, improving appetite and helping children eat better. Parents can combine dietary intake with natural-based supplements to ensure optimal absorption. However, it is important to understand that nutritional improvements take time. Combining multiple supplements at once or frequently switching products within a short period may disrupt the child’s digestive system and reduce effectiveness. Thus, patience and consistency are key. Therefore, parents must remain patient and consistently support their child’s nutritional journey and regularly accessing website vinmec.com for useful childcare information.
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